Around 400 photovoltaic panels on the building shell, own green electricity, shared workstations and room bookings via app. Volksbank Mittlerer Neckar eG has ambitious plans for its new building in Wendlingen near Stuttgart. The financial institution is building a climate-friendly, multi-functional office complex for around 300 staff members in Wendlingen’s town center. Completion is planned for fall 2024. The bank’s goal is to obtain a Platinum certificate from the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB) and to reach at least a ‘zero energy’ standard. The topping-out ceremony for the new headquarters of the bank took place on September 30, 2023. Drees & Sommer SE specializes in advice on real estate and construction. The company provided project steering, energy consulting and DGNB auditing services for this future-oriented project.The architectural design came from Stuttgart-based architectural practice Muffler Architekten.
“The new Volksbank Mittlerer Neckar eG building is a flagship project for the town of Wendlingen. It benefits the inhabitants greatly while also advancing the town’s progress in matters of climate action and environmental protection. We need more examples like this,“ emphasized Wendlingen’s Mayor Steffen Weigel in his topping-out speech. The environmental aspirations of Volksbank Mittlerer Neckar eG are not limited to energy-efficient and climate-neutral operation. Even in the design and construction phase, the bank placed emphasis on conserving resources and reducing CO2 emissions. At least 80 percent of all wood-based materials incorporated in the construction are sourced from sustainable forests, and recycled concrete is used in some parts of the development. The construction company also avoids unnecessary carbon emissions by using local resources where possible.
To achieve its ambitious aim, the financial institution is installing around 400 photovoltaic panels on the building shell alone, with an output of 170-180 kWp. Along with PV modules on the roof, they will provide almost all the electricity for heating and cooling and cover the building’s own energy needs. In addition to solar energy, the energy and sustainability plan, developed by the consulting firm Drees & Sommer, factors in the use of geothermal energy, with a geothermal heat pump for heating and cooling. Overall, the new build will meet the German development bank’s energy standard KfW Effizienzhaus 40 for energy-efficient buildings. Moreover, the building owner intends to obtain a Platinum certification from the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB) for the new building.
As a response to the progressing digital transformation and the New Work trend, Volksbank Mittlerer Neckar eG has also opted for a state-of-the art office design that creates a feel-good atmosphere. Shared workstations for around 300 employees and training and conference rooms that can also be booked by external organizations are complemented by a staff cafeteria and rooms for health protection related purposes.Employees will book rooms and workstations using digital solutions and a dedicated app. Completion is scheduled for fall 2024.
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