Property in Neu-Isenburg near Frankfurt achieves outstanding result in initial certification
For the first time, Aroundtown secures a BREEAM “Excellent” certification for a property: The certified asset is the office building at An der Gehespitz 50 in Neu-Isenburg near Frankfurt. “Excellent” is the second-highest rating within the BREEAM assessment scheme and signifies a particularly high level of sustainability performance. Across Germany, only around 8% of all BREEAM-certified properties achieve an “Excellent” rating.
As part of Aroundtown’s comprehensive BREEAM certification strategy, through which the sustainability performance systematically assessed and further developed, the fully let building achieved an “Excellent” rating on its first assessment. The BREEAM score makes a building’s sustainability performance measurable, reflecting how comprehensively requirements are met in areas such as energy efficiency, resource consumption, building management, user comfort, and ecological quality. Key factors contributing to the result include preventive facility management and the efficient use of renewable energy sources.
The hybrid energy supply—comprising photovoltaic, gas, and electric systems—as well as heat recovery, is systematically monitored. The photovoltaic system alone generates around 111,000 kWh, covering more than 11% of the building’s annual electricity demand. Electric vehicle charging stations are available for tenants. Consistently reduced consumption and additional measures for resource conservation and recycling form part of a water-efficient circular approach. External sun shading, the combination of mechanical and natural ventilation, and existing green spaces further enhance user comfort and biodiversity. These and other ecological measures strengthen the climate resilience of the location.
“This certification demonstrates the sustainability potential inherent in existing assets. From TÜV SÜD’s perspective, BREEAM shows that, with the right measures, existing properties can be made future-proof, transparently assessed, and sustainably high-performing,” says Alexander Rüb, Head of NSO BREEAM D-A-CH TÜV SÜD.
Limor Bermann, Chief Sustainability Officer at Aroundtown, commented: “Achieving a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating for the first time represents a milestone for us and strongly validates our long-term sustainability strategy. Our focus is on clear, tailored targets that reflect the specific potential of each individual building. This approach enables our asset managers to implement practical and efficient measures. The outstanding rating demonstrates how targeted asset management can directly enhance both the quality and value of our properties.”
The certification makes visible the documented improvements resulting from the continuous development of the building. Apleona, a facility manager active throughout the EMEA region, has its European headquarters at the site and is responsible for the building’s technical management. Through the use of the AI-supported building technology control system Recogizer, among other measures, the building’s electricity and heating consumption are significantly reduced. This systematic property management was a key factor in achieving the high certification level.
Since 1990, BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) has been one of the leading international certification systems for assessing the sustainability of buildings. Thanks to its holistic approach, BREEAM enables buildings to be compared globally on the basis of defined sustainability targets. It assesses properties across categories such as management, health and wellbeing, energy, transport, water, materials, waste, land use and ecology, as well as pollution. The system defines clear sustainability standards and, through its global comparability, ensures a uniform assessment framework that can be applied to existing buildings as well as new builds and refurbishment projects. BREEAM promotes the assessment of a building’s current sustainability status and its continuous optimisation through the recurring recertification process. Thanks to its international relevance and broad applicability, BREEAM certification supports user satisfaction and the long-term value retention of properties – a clear added value for owners, tenants and sustainability goals. Over 70% of all commercial properties in the Aroundtown portfolio are already BREEAM certified.
