Building tomorrow’s cities
that work for
people and their environment.
ARCHILAB OUR IN-HOUSE RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT LAB
Not an add-on. A way of developing.
Since 2018, Archilab has been Atenor’s in-house innovation and sustainability lab — fully integrated into how we design, develop and deliver our projects.
It ensures that environmental, social and technological challenges are not treated as constraints, but as drivers of performance, resilience and long-term value.
From strategy to decisions.
Archilab translates research, data and market insights into practical tools and clear project choices. From the earliest stages through to delivery, it supports teams in making informed, future-proof decisions.
Innovation is not theoretical. It is embedded in day-to-day project development.
INNOVATION & ESG IN PRACTICE
Archilab links strategy to operations: every project under development adheres to our environmental management system, the alignment of which with the technical criteria of the European taxonomy is assessed by an independent third party.
It anticipates regulatory changes, improves asset performance and reduces long-term risks, while supporting compliance, certification and financing requirements.
Integrated in every project. Measured over time.
EMBEDDED IN EVERY PROJECT
Archilab works alongside local teams throughout the entire development process — from early concept to delivery and beyond.
By anticipating regulatory, environmental and user expectations, it helps ensure that each project remains compliant, efficient and valuable over time.
ESG integration and performance targets
Regulatory monitoring and risk assessment
Support for certifications and financing requirements
Data validation and structured reporting
Knowledge sharing across countries
This integrated approach is based on indicators that are monitored for each project and published in our annual report.
OUR STRATEGIC APPROACH
Energy comes first.
The Atenor Energy Compass drives every project.
It defines how we design, optimise and operate our buildings. On average, our projects under development achieve a calculated primary energy consumption that is 30 per cent below the NZEB (nearly zero-energy building) benchmark in force in each country at the time of submitting the planning application, in accordance with PEB regulations.
Reduce demand first. Then optimise performance.
By focusing on buildings in use and long-term efficiency, we ensure that our developments remain resilient, compliant and valuable over time.
This energy-driven approach is complemented by the integration of biodiversity and social value through concrete measures to support biodiversity (see below) and spaces designed in consultation with users and local residents.
One framework. From strategy to decisions.
Archilab connects energy, ecology and people into a single decision-making framework, ensuring that innovation translates into concrete design choices and measurable outcomes.
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Biodiversity
Atenor integrates biodiversity as a core part of how it develops urban projects, alongside energy and carbon performance. Since 2026, Atenor has been working with BeeOdiversity, a biodiversity expert, to develop a biodiversity strategy which has so far been implemented across six projects. Its extension to all projects currently under development is scheduled for 2027, in accordance with an action plan and indicators published the Annual Report.
On several projects in Belgium and Portugal, this translates into very concrete measures: reconnecting sites to local ecological networks, de‑sealing and re‑greening surfaces, using locally adapted plant species, integrating vertical greening on façades, reducing light pollution and providing targeted habitats such as bat boxes and nesting spaces.
In 2025, these initiatives covered approximately 165,000 m² of land, on which the Biotope-to-Area Ratio increased according to the data collected. Our projects also included the remediation of more than 296,000 m² of contaminated soil. These indicators illustrate how real estate projects can support nature while creating long‑term value for cities and their users.
Image: VELD Architects / a2o Architects
Find out more: article
“Innovation only makes sense when it contributes to better, healthier and more sustainable cities.”
- Julie Willem, Archilab Director