Built on a former industrial site, Westfield Hamburg-Überseequartier is one of the largest urban regeneration projects in Europe and is being designed and realised with a clear focus on sustainability, both during construction and in its upcoming operations. The project’s key sustainability measures include low-emission economic systems, promotion of new types of sustainable mobility at an early stage, integration of its business activities into the local community, and involvement of the entire team and all stakeholders in terms of a joint sustainability focus.
The certification refers to a wide range of criteria. Among many facets, around 8,000 people will work in the retail, office and hotel sectors once all buildings are operational. The project is promoting diversity with offers for all ages – from a playground for children to various cultural facilities and a dedicated senior community living concept. The quarter offers a sustainable mobility concept, through connections to public transport, including its own metro station and bus lines, as well as the provision of around 3,500 bicycle parking spaces. Almost 1 million tons of contaminated soil was excavated during construction, 90 percent of the cement used is low-carbon, saving 23,800 tons of CO2, and it is estimated that the project avoids the artificialisation of around 8,000 sq m of natural and agricultural land.
“The ‘BREEAM Communities’ certification with an ‘excellent’ rating represents an important acknowledgement of the significant positive impact of the project and our underlying sustainability approach,” says Dirk Hünerbein, Director of Development Austria & Germany at Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield. “The commitment to our ‘Better Places’ sustainability plan implies that ecological and social responsibility are driving factors in our business model, for example, in construction projects, in the operation of our destinations and within our corporate culture.”
Jane Goddard, Managing Director, Building Performance Services & Deputy CEO, BRE, adds: “It’s fantastic to see Westfield Hamburg-Überseequartier achieve an ‘excellent’ BREEAM Communities rating. Urban regeneration projects like this fuel a healthier and more vibrant built environment and the project’s commitment to sustainability, mobility, and community integration is showcased by this accreditation. We look forward to seeing Westfield Hamburg-Überseequartier settle into its role as a central hub for the local community, and as an example of sustainable practice for the rest of the city to follow.”
The ‘BREEAM Communities’ certification is based on a scientific foundation and supports the achievement of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations and the ESG requirements of the EU.
Westfield Hamburg-Überseequartier was previously awarded DGNB’s (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Nachhaltiges Bauen / German Sustainable Building Council) ‘Pre-Certificate for Sustainable Construction Sites’ in 2021 and the ‘Silver Certificate’ by the Concrete Sustainability Council (CSC) for the project’s mobile ready-mix concrete mixing plant in 2022.
The retail opening of Westfield Hamburg-Überseequartier is scheduled for April 8, 2025.
