B893
Building 893
Introduction
The CT2 Extension Project is located within CERN Prévessin site. It concerns the extension of Building 893 (CT2), a concrete cooling tower facility built in the late 1970s to support CERN’s technical infrastructure. The existing installation consists of a central building housing control equipment and four reinforced concrete cooling tower cells connected to a common cooling water system. Designed as a robust monolithic structure, the facility has reliably supported CERN’s cooling needs for decades and remains a key component of the North Area technical infrastructure.
Objectives
The project will increase the cooling capacity of the CT2 complex to support the consolidation of the North Area power converter systems and meet future operational requirements. The works include the construction of a fifth reinforced concrete cooling tower cell, the extension of the common cold-water basin and its connection to the new cell, and the diversion of the existing buried primary water pipeline. Following the extension, the four existing cooling tower cells will also undergo renovation works, including façade refurbishment and the upgrading of the rainwater downpipes to comply with current standards, ensuring the long-term performance, durability, and reliability of the entire facility.
Sustainability
Sustainability is a core priority, with Building 893 aiming for BREEAM Excellent certification, incorporating low-carbon materials, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), and environmentally sensitive landscaping that integrates permeability, biodiversity, and accessibility in line with CERN’s Masterplan 2040.
- Low-carbon concrete — reduces carbon footprint to 791 kgeqCO₂/m² (tertiary) / 902 kgeqCO₂/m² (whole building)
- Water conservation — rainwater recuperation covers 88% of irrigation/sanitary needs
- Biodiversity protection — green roof (790 m²), native species, low-impact felling with compensation, low-nuisance construction
- Climate resilience & sustainable mobility — 2050 climate risk/thermal modeling, plus 1 parking spot per 3 occupants and 1 cycle space + shower per occupant
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