Innovative "Das Neue Gartenfeld" construction project in Berlin

Holistically conceived, integrative neighbourhood concept

On the site of an industrial wasteland, the "Das Neue Gartenfeld" is to grow into a future-oriented neighbourhood with over 3,700 flats, 600 commercial units and additional community facilities. The project brings together private, municipal and cooperative developers. The result is a new community that is designed for cooperation and in which sharing offers can be optimally used. The neighbourhood combines living space with workplaces. A city of short distances is planned, which will benefit people and the environment alike, and sustainability is a priority in the energy supply.

Sustainable energy concept for the neighbourhood

"Das Neue Gartenfeld" is supplied predominantly with green energy through sustainable energy generation solutions. The developed concept relies on modern innovations for the sustainable supply of residents and businesses.

Optimising supply through synergy effects

Synergy effects can be used in the best possible way through a coupled electricity, heating and cooling supply concept. This will create an ecologically as well as economically sustainable solution for the neighbourhood. The plans envisage that the CO₂ emissions of the heat supply will not exceed a value of 90.0 gCO₂/kWh. This ambitious goal is based on the broad use of renewable energies in addition to the cross-sectoral energy supply. Their share of the energy supply is to be at least 55 per cent. The design is such that the plants are prepared for the later use of hydrogen.

Photovoltaic power in urban areas

In addition, in a holistic approach, house construction will be integrated into the energy concept. Photovoltaic systems will be part of the power supply concept. They will be used to cover the Quartierswerk's own needs as well as to supply tenants with electricity. While in many parts of Germany photovoltaic electricity has only found its way into suburban residential infrastructures, the concept in the "Das Neue Gartenfeld" will also be adopted on a large scale in urban areas.

Sustainable energy through innovative neighbourhood work

The heart of the new, integrative residential quarter is the so-called Quartierswerk. It combines both the sustainable supply of electricity, heating and cooling as well as mobility offers and the digital networking of the neighbourhood. The plant is being built and operated by the partners ENGIE Deutschland and Gasag Solutions Plus.

The neighbourhood plant relies on an innovative combined heat and power (iKWK) system. These systems are valued for their sustainable operation and are promoted by the federal government. In the Combined Heat and Power Act (KWKG) of 2020, iKWK systems are described as particularly energy-efficient and low in greenhouse gases. Their CHP systems generate electricity on demand in combination with high shares of heat from renewable energies.

Innovative CHP systems usually consist of three components:

1. combined heat and power plant

2. component for the provision of renewable heat

3. electric heat generator
 

These components are regulated and controlled together as part of the advanced concept. The heat and power supply of the "Das Neue Gartenfeld" functions via a mix of technologies. This increases the security of supply through flexibility. The degree of self-sufficiency through the photovoltaic systems also plays into the overall concept. In addition, the intelligent energy management will serve to minimise energy losses in the entire supply area. The water cycle in the new neighbourhood has also been planned sustainably. The rainwater that accumulates is to be fully utilised; for example, retention roofs and surfaces with a partially controllable throttle discharge function are used to store water.

Thinking modern mobility

A sustainable housing and living concept also considers mobility solutions. Mobility in the neighbourhood should be possible without the need for a private car. For this purpose, various sharing offers with around 250 vehicles, including cars, scooters and bicycles, as well as a shuttle service are available.

The core of the mobility concept is formed by micro-hubs distributed throughout the neighbourhood for the use of the e-sharing fleet with scooters, bicycles and cargo bikes, which will be gradually expanded as needed. In addition, there is the Mobility Hub on the edge of the neighbourhood as a state-of-the-art, central mobility platform that organises urban mobility in a completely different way. 50 per cent of the parking spaces will be equipped with charging options.

Digitally networked quarter

Digital networking in the neighbourhood is a high priority. All services will be bundled via a neighbourhood app, which will allow all users to view contracts transparently and easily and to check consumption. The app can also be used to book services ranging from technical trades to caretaker and bread delivery services, shopping, mobility or parcel delivery. Separate chat channels are available for networking in the neighbourhood.

Innovative and powerful: "The Das Neue Gartenfeld" in Berlin

The "Das Neue Gartenfeld" in Berlin is an innovative residential and living quarter that meets all the requirements of modern urban development. The energy concept presented by ENGIE and Gasag Solution Plus at the Berlin Energy Days is forward-looking. It combines ecological, economic and social responsibility and sustainability. The synergetic approach will put it ten years ahead of the climate targets set by the German government for 2040.