DSTRCT.Berlin sets the standard for urban mobility with a one-of-a-kind certification
Local authorities worldwide have been pushing a clean agenda: swapping cars for bikes or walking in the future. The situation is no different in Germany, where the Central Environmental Authority has demanded that car traffic be given lower priority than cycling and walking. But did you know that it’s not just local authorities that can contribute to a greener future for all? As an international workspace provider, we also decided to play a part and designed DSTRCT.Berlin with the latest mobility trends in mind. Our efforts came to fruition recently – we have been granted Good Mobility certification at Platinum level, the first-ever commercial building in the country to achieve this.
Germany’s first Good Mobility Certification at a Platinum level
It may sound surprising that such a specific aspect as mobility around real estate projects in the city can be assessed and certified, but the Good Mobility Council, which grants these certifications, has been around for years. The council recognises the quality of mobility in entire districts, as well as new and existing buildings. What do they look for? They assess 37 factors of the overall infrastructure around a project, evaluating if they enable greener transportation while improving usability and mobility. For example, equal access for all, parking spots close to entrances, ideally directed towards public transportation stops, advanced bicycle parking, or facilities like changing rooms or showers.
Combining many years of experience in mobility-related well-being, architecture, and interior design has enabled us to design and build a workspace that scores well in all categories. Having been awarded the hard-earned Good Mobility Certification at the Platinum level is proof of our unmatched expertise in this area.
What did the Council love?
One of the best-rated features of DSTRCT.Berlin was the easily accessible bike ramp and modern, high-quality facilities – showers and changing rooms. The way we approached the parking garage also generated a lot of wows. It’s a far cry from the dark, anxiety-inducing spaces we know. It’s exceptionally well-lit, with glass doors that make the space feel safe and comfortable to navigate around. We also scored extra points for our newly built connection to public transportation on Landsberger Allee, encouraging people to ditch car commutes.
The best thing for us was that we didn’t have to change a thing in our development before the certification process. DSTRCT.Berlin was ticking all the boxes even before the assessors stepped on site. Right after project completion, we were already aligned with 2030 Berlin’s mobility goals. Only 20% took cars to DSTRCT.Berlin from the very beginning, and most people working in the space bikes daily, putting 850 bike parking spots to use, together with showers and other facilities. And when it gets cold outside, everyone just hops on a train just a few steps away.
Together for a greener future
Local authorities’ motives for pushing car swapping for more sustainable means of transportation are straightforward: less crowded and polluted cities and overall lower greenhouse gas emissions. Plus, biking to work on a path through a lush park has infinitely more health benefits than sitting in a traffic jam every morning.
We’re thrilled to be part of the mobility revolution, leading by example. It’s an honour to hold a certification that’s never been granted to a business in Germany before. We received it during a heartwarming event, sharing the excitement with our community and local politicians. We hope our approach will inspire many businesses, and we’re ready to push our own limits in the area even more.
