In 1992, Daimler AG commissioned Drees & Sommer to develop an eco-management system for the construction of Potsdamer Platz. It was to be an integral part of the project management. At an overarching level, Drees & Sommer handled the general management of the large-scale project with regard to costs, deadlines, and quality. 

Reduced heat consumption 

Optimized thermal insulation and the use of passive solar energy reduced heat consumption at Potsdamer Platz. Sophisticated façade concepts with natural ventilation were used in all office buildings, including the tower blocks. The result was up to 50 percent less energy than conventional air conditioning systems.  

Lower CO2 emissions  

The eco-team ensured the use of a combined heat and power plant, which supplied the entire Potsdamer Platz and Leipziger Platz with electricity. It used its waste heat to cover the entire heating and cooling requirements. The result was 75 percent less CO2 emissions compared to the initially planned supply with separate technical centers. 

Ecological building materials used 

The Drees & Sommer team defined the ecologically and health-friendly building materials for the most important trades in a binding eco-manual. The result was a saving of more than 22 tons of HCFCs. In 2012, “the blue way” was subsequently recognized as Potsdamer Platz was the first existing district to be certified Silver by the DGNB.