The Innovationsbogen, a property of WALTER Beteiligungen und Immobilien AG located in Augsburg's Innovation Park, has received LEED Platinum certification. This award represents the highest level of the internationally recognised system for sustainable buildings. With this result, the Innovationsbogen positions itself as the building with the highest LEED rating in Bavaria and ranks among the top five best-rated properties of this category nationwide.
Jürgen Kolper, a member of the WALTER Executive Board, stated that the goal in developing the Innovationsbogen was to set new standards in architectural, technical, and particularly sustainable terms. The award of LEED Platinum certification confirms that these ambitions were consistently realised. Kolper emphasised the significance of the building not only achieving a top position at the state level but also in comparison across Germany.
LEED, an abbreviation for “Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design”, is a certification system developed by the U.S. Green Building Council that evaluates buildings in their entirety. Criteria for assessment include energy and water consumption, material selection, indoor environmental quality, the mobility concept, and the sustainable development of the site. The Platinum level marks the highest achievable standard. Kolper stressed that a certificate does not serve as an end in itself, but its value lies in the independent verification of building quality based on defined criteria. The award thus validates the interplay of architecture, building technology, materials, and use, not just individual technical measures.
A key element of the sustainability concept is the system for heating and cooling. The offices in the Innovationsbogen are tempered by a ventilation system that supplies pre-conditioned fresh air. Heating and cooling sails complement this thermal comfort. The building's cooling utilises the natural energy of groundwater, while heating is provided via district heating. Photovoltaic modules on the green roof support the energy supply for the building services. The roof is fully greened, promoting rainwater retention, improving the microclimate, and creating biotopes for plants and insects. The building's arched structure, designed by Hadi Teherani Architects, integrates aesthetically into the surrounding landscape.
The building's facade, realised with a world-first solution made from 100 percent recycled end-of-life aluminium, contributes significantly to the sustainability balance. Approximately 85 tonnes of this material were used. According to manufacturer calculations, this results in CO2 savings of around 527 tonnes compared to conventional European aluminium. The facade of the Innovationsbogen thus combines sophisticated architecture with a consistent circular economy approach. The building comprises a gross floor area of approximately 15,000 square metres across six storeys and serves as a landmark at the southern entrance to Augsburg's Innovation Park.
In addition to ecological aspects, the building concept also considers the quality of the work environment. The office spaces allow for flexible design, from individual offices to team areas and open-plan workspaces. Openable windows, sun and glare protection systems, terraces on each floor, and communicative outdoor areas complement the technical equipment. The mobility concept includes 222 car parking spaces in the underground car park, 70 of which have electric charging stations. Furthermore, 223 bicycle parking spaces with their own access, as well as showers and changing rooms, are available. Redundantly available fibre optic connections from various providers form the basis for a high-performance digital infrastructure. Kolper noted that sustainable office buildings must combine ecological quality with the needs of their users. The Innovationsbogen aims not only to offer companies a representative environment but also to create optimal conditions for focused work, collaboration, and a high quality of stay in the long term. Flexibly configurable office spaces are still available for rent in the Innovationsbogen; a show office offers insights into the various usage concepts.
