Successful BREEAM recertification of Markgrafenstraße 17-18 in Berlin
Aroundtown has achieved a BREEAM “Excellent” rating in the recertification of its office property at Markgrafenstraße 17-18 in Berlin. The result represents a significant improvement compared with the initial certification, which received a “Good” rating. The fully let property is occupied by Verwaltungs-Berufsgenossenschaft VBG, one of Germany’s largest statutory accident insurance institutions.
As part of the recertification process, the property underwent a comprehensive assessment, and the underlying data base was expanded across several areas. Key measures contributing to the improved rating included optimized building management systems, an expansion of the electric vehicle charging infrastructure, additional bicycle parking spaces for tenants, and extensive accessibility measures. In addition, the existing LED lighting was comprehensively assessed, including measurements of lighting levels, and compliance with the requirements of the applicable German workplace regulations was verified.
A further focus was placed on the detailed analysis of energy and water consumption. The main water meter was equipped with the Smartvatten digital water management system. In addition, a site-specific risk assessment was carried out. The enhanced data base also provides a sound basis for managing building operations efficiently over the long term and identifying further measures.
“The significant improvement in the BREEAM rating demonstrates the contribution that a robust data base and the continuous development of existing properties can make. For us, it is essential to have a detailed understanding of the technical and energy performance of our buildings and to use this as a basis for deriving specific measures for responsible and long-term building operations. The result at Markgrafenstraße confirms this approach,” says Benjamin Betzl Lopez, BREEAM Expert at Aroundtown.
“Markgrafenstraße 17-18 demonstrates how Aroundtown is systematically enhancing the sustainability performance of an existing building through targeted measures. Improvements in building technology, charging infrastructure, accessibility and data collection have made a tangible contribution to the higher BREEAM rating. The recertification makes this progress transparent and traceable against clearly defined criteria,” says Alexander Rüb, Head of the BREEAM D-A-CH National Scheme Operator at TÜV SÜD.
The office property at Markgrafenstraße 17-18 is located in a central area of Berlin. The building is let on a long-term basis to Verwaltungs-Berufsgenossenschaft VBG. VBG is one of Germany’s largest statutory accident insurance institutions and supports companies and insured individuals in the prevention of occupational accidents and diseases, as well as in rehabilitation and compensation.
Since 1990, BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) has been one of the leading international certification systems for assessing the sustainability of real estate. Its holistic approach enables buildings worldwide to be compared against defined sustainability objectives. BREEAM assesses properties across categories including management, health and wellbeing, energy, transport, water, materials, waste, land use and ecology, and pollution. The system defines clear sustainability standards and provides a consistent international benchmark that can be applied to existing buildings as well as new construction and refurbishment projects.
BREEAM supports the assessment of a building’s current sustainability performance as well as its continuous improvement through a recurring recertification process. Thanks to its international relevance and broad applicability, BREEAM certification can contribute to user satisfaction and the long-term preservation of property value, creating clear benefits for owners, tenants and sustainability objectives. More than 70 percent of the commercial properties in Aroundtown’s portfolio are already BREEAM-certified. Further information: https://breeam.com/
Aroundtown is one of Europe’s largest real estate companies and has a diversified portfolio which, alongside office and residential properties, also includes numerous hotel locations.
