the blue way

The demands on buildings are increasing. They are required to be networked, energy self-sufficient, zero-emissions, healthy, integrated und flexible. One key element prevents them becoming true Blue Buildings: operating efficiency. Digital Blue integrates digitization. This results in better, more economically viable buildings – fully in keeping with the spirit of ‘the blue way’.

We achieve this, in part, through digital design with Building Information Modeling (BIM), as well as through modular construction and lean management. The Cradle to Cradle® approach also benefits from digitization. The material passport contains all relevant information on the materials and designs used in the project from a building ecology perspective.

Electricity consumption in Germany in 2012 amounts to approximately 600 million megawatt hours, with around 44 percent of this figure attributable to industry, commerce and trade, and a further 28 percent each to transport and domestic use. Around 80 percent of base load is generated by conventional means, i.e. from nuclear power, coal, gas and oil.
If around half of Germany’s energy is to be generated from renewable sources from 2030 onwards (rising to around 80 percent by 2050), a holistic approach will need to be taken. The most important actions required are to reduce energy consumption, adopt new approaches and technologies in energy production, develop innovative procedures in energy storage, and ensure efficient and intelligent power distribution.

In this context, the blue way means integrating the required measures within an overall process. Politicians have to define the way of proceeding and ensure that funding is provided for the necessary network upgrades. The energy industry has to ensure that renewable energy is available at competitive prices. This move requires a complete overhaul of funding policy and of the German Renewable Energies Act (Erneuerbare Energien Gesetz, EEG).

Many established properties have one key flaw. They are excessively expensive to operate. High consumption values make the properties uneconomical. And gradually, the number of tenants declines. Measures must be taken to improve performance. But how can these be economically planned and implemented? A typical task for holistic solutions in line with ‘the blue way’. Because when it comes to complex renovation projects, it is crucial to keep the owner’s overall strategy front of mind. This is ensured by our tiered analysis, in which we combine possible options with a holistic perspective. We then recommend courses of action specifically tailored to the particular case, and implement the measures involved. A revitalized building must be more economical than before – only then does the strategy work in the sense of ‘the blue way’.

In numerous discussions with principals, property managers and politicians about sustainability and Green Building, we often hear same comment: ‘I am really interested in the subject, but know far too little about it to form an opinion and join the discussion.’

So we launched a campaign to close such gaps in knowledge in a simple and understandable way. It started with Expo Real 2008, followed by a whole series of presentations, client events, press releases, and the publication of the reference book Green Building. Thanks to our campaign, Green Building has become firmly established in the real estate industry. Today, sustainable building is considered an absolute must.

The DGNB (German Sustainable Building Council) was founded in Stuttgart in 2007. The aim was to promote sustainable building and to establish a certification system – the German Sustainable Building Certificate. The DGNB certificate recognizes buildings that are particularly environmentally friendly, resource-efficient, economically efficient and optimized for user amenity – typical requirements of ‘the blue way’. That is why it was essential for Drees & Sommer to help shape the DGNB as a founding member.

This, too, is an element of the blue way’: Smooth cooperation between all project participants contributes significantly to the success and quality of a project. Efficient project organization saves all stakeholders both time and money. As a central platform, PCMS guarantees a standard data and document base. This ensures that the projects participants have ready access to all project data, in particular to planning documents, ensuring swift continued processing. Architects, principals, planners und contractors store their planning documents and minutes in the PCMS, allowing time-saving exchange of data.

In 1999, the company took a new approach to saving energy in its new administrative building in Stuttgart, Germany.

Reduced heating demand, use of geothermal energy

A highly insulated façade and triple-glazing resulted in a massive reduction in the heating requirement. Heating and cooling pipes installed in the concrete slabs (concrete core temperature control) turned the slabs into huge radiators. The use of geothermal energy with boreholes about 80 meters deep reduced energy consumption to one-fifth of the current standard. Carbon emissions were halved.

Obere Waldplätze 11 is a pioneering building, pleasant and a model of ecology. It offers considerably reduced building operation costs without substantially increased overall investment.

Thanks to these characteristics, in 2009 the DGNB awarded it Gold certification in the New Building category – ten years after its construction! This was followed by DGNB Gold for Established Buildings in 2011.

In 1992, Daimler AG commissioned us to develop and eco-management strategy for the construction of the Potsdamer Platz. It was to be an integral element of the project management.

Reduction of heat consumption

Optimal thermal insulation and the use of passive solar energy reduced heat consumption in Potsdamer Platz buildings. Sophisticated facade concepts with natural ventilation were used for all office buildings – including high-rises. The result are energy savings of up to 50 percent compared to conventional air conditioning systems. 

Lower carbon emissions

The Eco team ensured the use of a cogeneration plant, which supplies the entire Potsdamer and the neighboring Leipziger Platz with power. Waste heat from the system meets all the heating and cooling needs. The result is a 75 percent reduction in carbon emissions compared to the originally planned separate plant rooms.

Environmentally friendly building materials used

The Drees & Sommer team stipulated that ecological and healthy building materials had to be used for the most important trades. The result is a saving of more than 22 metric tons of HCFCs. The achievements of ‘the blue way’ were given retrospective recognition in 2012. The Potsdamer Platz became the first established quarter to be awarded the DGNB (German Sustainable Building Council) Silver Certificate.

Spurred by the first oil crises of 1973 and 1979, we tackled the issue of energy consumption. We developed a mathematical model that simulates the energy consumption of a building – even at the project definition stage. As a result, our clients know how a building must be designed to minimize energy consumption even before planning starts.