The ARCADIA Investment Group joined the German Sustainable Building Council at the end of March 2021.Photo: Adobe Stock

The real estate developer ARCADIA Investment Group has joined the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB), thus setting an example for sustainability, economic foresight and climate protection.

Both in the renovation of existing properties and in new construction, ARCADIA strives for more sustainability, a conscious handling and use of existing resources and the reduction of energy demands. In October 2019, the Leipzig-based company received the DGNB pre-certificate in “Gold” for the first time for the project “Conversion Otto Dix Passage Gera”, the revitalisation of a former shopping centre. After completion, the newly designed shopping arcade is then going to be awarded the final certificate in “Gold”. The DGNB certificate in “Gold” is also planned for the comprehensive modernisation and redesign of the inner-city commercial building “Löhr’s Eck”, the future headquarters of ARCADIA. In addition, ARCADIA is developing a modular house construction system with its subsidiary Wohnmacher. This house concept is to be implemented nationwide and, after completion of the certification process, the highest certificate “Platinum” is aimed for. Within the next five years, the real estate developer plans to build a total of approximately 800 semi-detached, single family and terraced houses, which will be characterised by very good energy efficiency according to the KfW-55 standard. Each of the turnkey homes is equipped with its own air-source heat pump and photovoltaic system, which contribute to a cost-effective and energy-efficient supply.

The German Sustainable Building Council – DGNB e.V. develops and promotes ways and solutions for sustainable planning, construction and use of buildings. The certification system developed by the DGNB serves to objectively describe and evaluate the sustainability of buildings and neighbourhoods. It evaluates the overall performance of a building over its entire life cycle, taking into account ecological and economic quality, socio-cultural and functional quality, technical quality, process quality and location quality. If these criteria are met in an outstanding manner, a building receives a certificate or pre-certificate in silver, bronze, gold or platinum. The DGNB certification system is constantly being developed and adapted to national and international standards and legislation.