Heart of Hanza—a residential and commercial development by real estate developer LNK Properties—has achieved an A+ energy efficiency rating for primary non-renewable energy and an A rating for heating, meeting nearly zero-energy building (NZEB) requirements, according to the building’s provisional energy certificate. The project is scheduled for commissioning this spring.
Heart of Hanza is a modern residential building in Riga’s Quiet Centre that combines sustainable architecture, high living comfort, and energy-efficient engineering solutions. The seven-story apartment building with underground parking has been designed with a focus on reducing long-term operating costs and minimizing environmental impact.
The building’s total energy consumption is 88 kWh/m² per year, while primary non-renewable energy consumption is only 47 kWh/m² per year, ranking the project among the most energy-efficient new developments in Latvia. Carbon dioxide emissions reach just 4.88 kg CO₂/m² per year, significantly reducing the building’s ecological footprint.
“In the Heart of Hanza project, energy efficiency is not merely a regulatory requirement—it is a conscious and strategic choice. We consider both the daily comfort and healthy living environment of our residents, as well as the reduction of long-term operating costs and environmental impact. This project demonstrates that it is possible to create modern, sustainable, and energy-efficient residential developments even in the heart of Riga,” emphasizes Aleksandra Strode, Board Member of LNK Properties.
High energy efficiency figures are ensured by high-quality building envelope structures, mechanical ventilation with 78% heat recovery, and centralized heating based on renewable energy sources. The energy certification was performed based on actual construction results and prepared by an independent certified expert. Each apartment features an autonomous ventilation system, ensuring a healthy indoor microclimate and a high level of comfort with the lowest possible energy consumption.
“Heart of Hanza is one of our largest civil engineering projects—a complex and large-scale site whose implementation in the historic center of Riga requires exceptional precision and a high culture of construction. The building’s A+ energy efficiency class confirms that we have created exactly what this location needed: a thoughtful and sustainable building. The construction work was carried out with a full understanding of the city’s urban specifics and future requirements, strictly adhering to the high standards set in the project,” emphasizes Genadijs Kamkalovs, Director of AS LNK Industries.
As previously reported, the Heart of Hanza project was developed based on sustainable development principles, creating a high-quality and well-considered living environment for both residents and the city as a whole. In addition to the A+ energy efficiency rating, practical and eco-friendly solutions have been implemented: rainwater harvesting tanks are installed in the basement, the courtyard is car-free, and landscaping is set in natural soil to ensure favorable growing conditions for trees and shrubs. The building is fully accessible for wheelchair users and parents with strollers, while the courtyard features children’s play areas, recreation and sports zones, and a dedicated area for pet activities.
The project’s total investment reaches 35 million euros, and it has already garnered professional acclaim, winning an award in the “Most Sustainable Project” category at the Baltic-wide competition “Sustainability in Architecture, Construction, and Design 2024.”
The project developer is SIA LNK Properties; architecture and interior design were authored by AB3D; construction is carried out by AS LNK Industries, one of Latvia’s leading construction companies; and the landscaping project was designed by ZALA Landscape Architects.
