The headquarters of Sarthe Habitat, the 24th certified office building in France

Its 5.000 square meters, spread over five levels, now stand proudly at the entrance to Le Mans, near the train station. This remarkable building, representing a carefully managed investment of €20 million, was designed and built under the direct project management of the social housing provider. The provider chose to take on this role both to showcase and strengthen its expertise, benefiting its day-to-day operations, which involve investing approximately €60 million annually in the construction, renovation, and maintenance of its housing stock.

Already certified BBCA at the excellence level, E3C2 and BEPOS Energy Carbon, and awaiting OsmoZ certification, Sarthe Habitat was audited for the HQE Exceptionnel - Sustainable Building label last October by Certivea. It has now been officially notified.

It was during the construction work that the landlord realized that, with a few adjustments, they could achieve exceptional performance for this bioclimatic design, featuring a timber frame and insulation envelope and incorporating frugal, intelligent, and economical energy systems. As part of this, 104 m² of photovoltaic electricity production was added, waste sorting and management were optimized, as was the building's airtightness, for example.

The audit highlighted management's ambitious commitments in terms of reducing environmental impact through its construction choices, quality of life and comfort within the building, its accessibility, landscaping, flexibility of work (outdoors, in different configurations indoors…) and its adaptability over time.

The exemplary commitment and cooperation between the project owner, its project management assistance team, the project management team and the predominantly local companies, as well as the close collaboration with the CARSAT during the construction phase, also contributed to optimizing the targeted level and achieving the exceptional level of completion.

Finally, the audit mentions the challenge encountered regarding the situation of the plot in a flood zone, which required specific arrangements (parking, retention basin, etc.).

For Fabienne Labrette-Ménager, President of Sarthe Habitat: “The Exceptional level of the HQE label is not simply an addition of criteria, but rather the result of excellent performance across all areas of sustainable development and project management. The measurement of the objectives of the Certivea framework confirms our technical and operational expertise and reinforces our know-how.”

Pending OsmoZ certification for quality of life at work in this building, and already certified Habitat Senior Services ® for other programs, Sarthe habitat confirms its understanding of future challenges and its commitment to implementing transitions.