DGNB Gold Certification for existing Potsdamer Platz district (pilot phase)

A historic chapter in the heart of Berlin is paving the way toward a sustainable future.

Client

Immobilien und Mobilien Potsdamer Platz Verwaltungs GmbH and Brookfield Properties

Location

Potsdamer Platz, Berlin

Project Duration

October 2023 – September 2025

Other characteristics

- 12.7 ha certification boundary, approx. 459,000 m² GFA above and below ground
- Mixed-use development with predominantly office space, as well as retail, commercial, gastronomy, hotel, residential and service uses
- One listed building constructed around 1911-1912, with the remaining buildings completed between 1997 and 1999
- A total of 17 buildings, 16 of which are under the responsibility of the owner’s representative and asset manager Brookfield Properties
- In 2011, the district was awarded DGNB Gold certification for urban districts during the pilot phase

Potsdamer Platz is unlike any other urban district and stands as a symbol of unity in Germany. Drees & Sommer played a key role in the redevelopment of Potsdamer Platz in the 1990s and has now completed DGNB Gold certification for the district as part of the pilot phase. This included a DGNB pre-check and a compressive status quo analysis conducted by our experts.

The district covers 12.7 hectares with a gross floor area of 459,000 square meters and features a diverse mix of uses, including office space, retail, gastronomy, hotels, residential buildings, and a listed building dating back to 1912.

Climate protection roadmaps toward climate neutrality

Climate protection roadmaps aimed at achieving climate neutrality by 2045 were developed for all 16 buildings under the responsibility of Brookfield Properties. Planned measures include annual consumption reductions of 1% for electricity, water, heating, and cooling, as well as the introduction of green leases starting in 2023. The overarching objective is to ensure long-term achievement of sustainability goals.

Special features of Potsdamer Platz include an innovative rainwater system that enables water reuse for irrigation and toilet flushing. Additionally, an underground supply and waste management center enhances the districts' operational efficiency and sustainability. The redesign of Alte Potsdamer Straße into a pedestrian zone further improves the quality of stay and strengthens connectivity within the district.

The district was awarded Gold certification during the pilot phase in 2011 under the DGNB system for new urban districts. The renewed certification reinforces the idea that sustainability does not begin with new construction, but rather with existing assets.

Comprehensive expertise for a model existing district

Drees & Sommer supported this project with comprehensive expertise in sustainable district development and accompanied the entire certification process. Our services included an analysis of the status quo, a DGNB pre-check and the successful audit of the district. The project impressively demonstrates how existing districts can be made future-proof through targeted measures.

Added value

Professionally managing the certification process
Successfully fulfilling all DGNB certification requirements
Communicating with the certification body
Implementing a sustainability strategy, thereby strengthening market position

Services

Reviewing the districts status quo
Preparing for the DGNB pre-check
Supporting the DGNB certification of existing districts during the pilot phase
Assuming the role of auditing

“At Potsdamer Platz, we are continuously working to further develop the district in a sustainable and future-oriented way. The DGNB Gold certification for existing districts confirms our commitment. We would like to thank Drees & Sommer for their renewed support throughout the certification process.”

Katharina Treiber, Senior Vice President, Asset Management, Brookfield Properties

“What impressed me most was how many sustainability measures were already in place—precisely the aspects addressed by the DGNB system. This demonstrates that the client acted proactively and is rightly considered a pioneer in this field, which is now also confirmed by the certification.”

Lisa MomperProject manager Drees & Sommer