GBG Mannheim is planning to renovate two structurally identical residential buildings as part of the SQUARE (smart quarter and urban area reducing emissions) research project. The properties are located in the Benjamin Franklin Village military conversion area in Mannheim.

One of the aims of the research project is to show a demonstration project for CO2 reduction in the refurbishment of residential buildings. A total of 27 identical properties and other very similar buildings were located in the conversion area.

The two pilot properties are to be used as models to test energy-efficient refurbishment to different standards (refurbishment to the current EnEV standard and refurbishment to EnerPhit specifications) and later transferred to other properties.