The single-row brickwork was given a special insulating layer. All the original single-pane windows now have secondary glazing. Micropia’s walls and ceilings consist of sandwich panels with highly insulating synthetic material, finished off with a wood veneer. The inside of the ‘black box’ housing part of Micropia is plastered with small balls made from recycled materials, such as ash and clay, which are filled with air. The binding agent is produced from waste material from the coating industry. The balls insulate the space and dampen noise and are completely recyclable, in keeping with the cradle-to-cradle principle.
Electricity is generated by solar panels on the flat roof of the central wing. Rainwater is collected in a large tank under the building and is used to water the plants.
The biggest single investment was in thermal energy storage which as well as de Ledenlokalen also serves other parts of Artis. In summer, hot water is stored underground next to the jaguar enclosure and in the winter cold water is stored underground next to de Ledenlokalen. The cold water reserves are used to reduce temperatures in the summer and the hot water to increase temperatures in the winter.