A QUARTER AS A PIONEER
Awarded Sustainability
The Potsdamer Platz project with its master plan by Italian star architect Renzo Piano has set new benchmarks where sustainability is concerned. The use of building materials compatible with health and environment, the cooling without any energy-consuming air-conditioning systems as well as the usage of rainwater for the water supply and the centrally organised collection of waste are exemplary. This is proven by receiving the DGNB certificate in silver – 13 years after the grand opening of Quarter Potzdamer Platz!The buildings have a sophisticated ventilation and façade system which reduces the use of primary energy by 50%. The rainwater collected from the roofs saves around 20 million litres of drinking water per year.The supply centre below ground keeps the quarter free of above-ground delivery traffic so that the broad walkways and water areas can be enjoyed by the people living, working and visiting at Potsdamer Platz.By applying all these measures, the carbon dioxide emission is reduced by 70% compared to conventional methods.
Urban water
Piano lake is a systematically created biotope with a size of 1.3 ha. The quality of the water is constantly monitored and ensured. As can be expected, the water became a living and dynamic system housing numerous organisms. Even ducks and other water birds have settled.The great echo form users and visitors to the quarter proves the success of the urban water concept.