Technology firm Continental recently officially opened its new corporate headquarters in Hanover, Germany. The campus on Hans-Böckler-Allee marks a further milestone for the technology company in its more than 150-year history.
“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,” said Continental CEO Nikolai Setzer at the opening ceremony in Hanover.
The new Continental campus comprises six buildings. A prominent feature of the complex is a suspended bridge spanning 75 m, which crosses Hans-Böckler-Allee to link the northern and southern parts of the campus.
Since December 1, 2023, around 2,400 employees from the group functions as well as the Tires and ContiTech group 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.
At the same time, the new corporate headquarters is a visible sign of Continental’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 fibres. Slatted ceilings and mobile partitions dampen acoustics to achieve a working environment that is both pleasant and sustainable.
The new corporate headquarters was designed by Munich-based architecture firm Henn. Following the official cornerstone-laying ceremony in 2019, the company moved into the new building in November 2023, around two years later than planned due to the pandemic and significant material shortages.