Energy self-sufficient and ecological role model: UBA building extension in Dessau-Roßlau | Umweltbundesamt

The new building will cost about 13.3 million euros and sets innovative standards in sustainable building, as the main building already did ten years ago. The result will be a plus energy building, which means that the office complex will not consume more energy than before despite the roughly one hundred new workplaces and large conference area.

The extension building will be constructed as a federal project. The building, commissioned to Anderhalten architects of Berlin by the building authorities in Saxony-Anhalt acting on behalf of the Federal Government, has an unusual exterior with an amorphous shape and facade structure. An intelligent folding technique enlarges its surface on which photovoltaic elements alternate with window fronts. The photovoltaic panels will be installed at a 75-degree angle and thus achieve a higher yield than if they were to stand vertically.

The building interior also has many special features, including a high level of user comfort, accessibility and is below the target of the 2009 Energy Saving Ordinance by more than 50%. The energy needed to operate the building will be generated completely by the nearly 720 m²-photovoltaic system on the facade and roof and by a heat pump connected to some 30 geothermal probes. In the course of a year the balance between energy consumption and energy production should show a plus on the production side. The engineers of Büro Winter in Berlin carried out a multitude of simulations and have planned everything down to the last detail. Monitoring of the first operational phase will support achievement of the building's high aims.

The possible surplus electricity will be passed on to the UBA main building. Should the main building have sufficient self-supply, for example on a sunny Sunday, the power will be fed to the public grid.

Upon completion the extension building already complies with the guidelines of the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive for 2019. The Federal Government is sending a signal with this exemplary model of sustainable planning of an office building and setting an example of how the building sector can leave future generations with ecologically, socially and economic intact structures.