Continentalhas officially opened its new corporate headquarters on December 13, 2023, at a ceremony held in Hanover, Germany. The campus on Hans-Bockler-Allee marks a further milestone for the technology company in its more than 150-year history.
Nikolai Setzer, CEO, Continental said, “We have created a place where our vision, values and culture can come alive in an open, connected and sustainable working environment. It is an expression of our sense of togetherness and a symbol of our long-term aspirations.”
“The new corporate headquarters is a clear and architecturally impressive commitment fromContinentalto Lower Saxony and its state capital of Hanover.Continentalis a strong and reliable business partner and an important employer in the region. I hope the employees feel at home at the new campus and wish the entire company a successful future,” remarked minister president Weil.
Mayor Onay said, “With its former headquarters at Konigsworther Platz and on Vahrenwalder Strabe,Continentalleft an enduring impression on the city of Hanover. And it has done so once again with this new impressive building – which also marks the eastern gateway to the city. With its modern, sustainable architecture and the innovative utilisation concept, the building is a perfect fit for Hanover.”
The newContinentalcampus comprises 6 buildings. A prominent feature of the complex is a suspended bridge spanning 75 meters, which crosses Hans-Bockler-Allee to link the northern and southern parts of the campus.
Since December 1, 2023, around 2,400 employees from thegroup functions as well as the Tires and ContiTechgroup sectors have been working at the campus, an integrated open-space concept with areas for interaction and collaboration as well as quiet zones for focused work. Thanks to state-of-the-art communication and media equipment, work can be organised with a high degree of flexibility. Instead of assigned workstations, employees can choose where they want to work using a desk booking system.
“We chose the architecture with functionality in mind. It will enhance our performance and foster value creation,” underscored Setzer. “The layout of the building will strengthen our culture of innovation and networking by facilitating informal, interdisciplinary interaction between our teams. This physical proximity will ensure intensive exchange and an inspiring, creative working environment.”
Sustainability at the core
The German company says at the same time, the new corporate headquarters is a visible sign ofContinental’s sustainability ambitions. The complex meets the German government’s criteria for climate-friendly new buildings and, accordingly, the requirements for its sustainable building quality seal. Additional equipment and operating features make the new headquarters one of the most sustainable office buildings in Europe. The roofs of the parking garages, for example, are fitted with solar panels. Rainwater is collected, and a geothermal system harnesses the Earth’s energy to heat and cool the building, largely covering its requirements. The green roof areas are also equipped with photovoltaic systems that generate up to 300,000 kilowatt hours of electricity a year, which is used, for example, to charge electric cars and bicycles at 100 charging points in the two parking garages.
When the open-plan office areas were designed, particular attention was paid to the use of natural materials such as wood, stone and natural fibers. Slatted ceilings and mobile partitions dampen acoustics to achieve a working environment that is both pleasant and sustainable.