A FIRST for Paris: Landmark New Office Tower Sets Highest Standards for Advanced Environmental Development

July 07, 2009

The lowest Carbon Emissions Office Tower per occupant in France uses 75% less energy than previous building BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--President Nicolas Sarkozy saw a stunning example of state-of-the-art environmental technology on June 30 when he toured the newest rising star on the Paris skyline: The 50-story FIRST building. Upon completion in 2011, FIRST will be the tallest office tower ever built in France – second only in height to the Eiffel Tower. But it is not only the size of this elegant structure that caught the President's attention: It is its cutting-edge commitment to the most advanced environmental standards. FIRST is the largest HQE certified office tower in France. Its use of sustainable materials to reduce future energy needs and its energy-saving construction techniques are unprecedented for a project of this scope. The slender, helical-shaped tower which spirals upwards like a richly-sculptured silhouette, is rising on the site of the former AXA Tower in the exclusive La Defense district, one of Europe's prime business centers and home to dozens of multi-national corporations. The building, where approximately 5,700 people will work, is being co-developed by affiliates of AXA France Assurance and by Beacon Capital Partners of Boston, Ma. who will assume ownership upon its completion. Upon completion FIRST will: * Use 75% less energy than the AXA tower, yet is 10% larger. * Achieve 85% lower CO2 emissions than AXA tower. * Be one of the lowest Carbon Emissions Office Tower per occupant in France. * Employ innovative energy saving designs that allow for more occupants and much less artificial light as well as "Double Skin" exterior design that dramatically reduces cooling and heating requirements. During the ongoing construction process the carbon footprint will be reduced by about 50% with the renovation of FIRST rather than a complete demolition of the former building.

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