Sustainable benchmark factory for small and medium-sized enterprises
KölnBusiness Wirtschaftsförderung, Cologne, Germany
On behalf of KölnBusiness, the Economic Development Agency of Cologne, Dr. Schönheit + Partner developed a concept for sustainable commercial property models. The aim of this project was to provide small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Cologne with practical guidelines for sustainable building projects. The result: technical and structural solutions that combine ecological and economic goals and can be applied to different commercial spaces.
The project comprised the creation of minimum and maximum variants for commercial buildings on a sample site, the highlighting of ecological advantages and the development of a catalog of measures for technical and structural implementations. All sustainability measures were evaluated in relation to their economic efficiency. The focus was on providing guidance and support for companies wishing to implement a construction project in Cologne for the first time and meet or even exceed sustainable standards.
In close cooperation with KölnBusiness, Dr. Schönheit + Partner developed a comprehensive concept for sustainable commercial real estate. Following an initial workshop, two planning variants – a minimum and a maximum variant – were developed.
The basic or minimum variant meets the statutory standards (Efficiency House 40 EE), while the extended or maximum variant includes additional sustainability measures (Efficiency House 40 EE Plus). The accompanying catalog of sustainability measures describes both structural approaches such as timber frame construction and the use of recycled materials, as well as technical solutions such as photovoltaic systems and thermal component activation.
A cost and CO2 balance comparison highlights the ecological and economic benefits. The results have been clearly presented to support SMEs in their decision-making.
KölnBusiness, a subsidiary of the City of Cologne, supports companies, founders, start-ups and investors in the development, establishment and realization of future-proof projects in Cologne. As a link between the city administration and business, KölnBusiness offers support in economic and administrative matters. It also actively promotes the networking of research and science with companies in Cologne and the region.
Sustainability is not a short-term trend, but a key driver for the future viability of our economy. Flexible space concepts, energy-efficient buildings and innovative usage models are key to actively shaping change in a dynamic city like Cologne. We advise companies from the planning phase through to implementation. With the model designs from Dr. Schönheit + Partner, we are expanding our services to promote the development of modern, sustainable and at the same time economically viable commercial properties in Cologne.”
KPIs at a glance
All relevant services under one roof:
- Architectural concept
- Sustainability consulting
- Energy design
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