Green building in Berlin: exhibition presents concepts for investors and developers

In late 2014, the Berlin Senate Department for Urban Development and the Environment hosted an exhibition titled "Berlin baut Zukunft" (Berlin Builds the Future) on ecological building concepts. Across 18 display panels in the Senate Department's atrium in Mitte, completed projects and research initiatives were presented. The exhibition was aimed at institutional investors as well as private developers.

What was on display

One example was the practical guide "Es waechst etwas auf dem Dach" (Something is growing on the roof), which provided planning guidelines for rooftop greenhouses. Such projects improve a building's energy performance through additional insulation and can increase its appeal to tenants. Other approaches on display included recycled building materials, rainwater harvesting and advanced insulation systems.

The Senate Department saw "significant potential for urban development" in the showcased projects.

Rising energy costs as a driver

The background: energy costs were rising, and awareness of climate protection was growing. For landlords of apartments in Berlin, the energy efficiency of their buildings was becoming a competitive factor. Tenants paid increasing attention to utility costs, and energy-efficient properties were easier to let.

The market development already showed a growing interest in energy-efficient housing in 2014. The Senate's initiative suggested that ecological standards could play a bigger role in building permits going forward.

What this meant for owners

Buildings with high energy efficiency had lower utility costs. This made them more attractive to tenants and could contribute to stronger long-term value growth. Those investing in new developments were well advised to factor in ecological standards early rather than retrofitting later.

The exhibition was open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. until 27 November 2014. Admission was free.