BREEAM in Use first in Berlin

29 July 2009

British Embassy in Berlin is one of the first buildings to be assessed and rated under the newly launched BREEAM IN Use scheme for the efficient operation of existing buildings

The building on Wilhelmstrasse was originally opened by HM The Queen in July 2000 and is managed by Johnson Controls GWS on behalf of the Foreign & Commonwealth Office. It achieved a ‘Very Good’ rating for Part 1: Asset Performance and Part 2: Building Management Performance under the scheme. BREEAM In-Use was launched in March 2009 to help building managers reduce the running costs and improve the environmental performance of existing buildings.

Michael Arthur, British Ambassador to Germany, said: “We are really proud to work in this Embassy. Not only because it is an outstanding piece of architecture, but also because it is a sustainable and modern building. I am delighted that we have been awarded with the BREEAM In-Use certificate because it highlights the UK Government’s commitment to a low-carbon future.”

Ernie Shelton, Johnson Controls, GWS, EMEA Director, Energy & Environmental Sustainability said: “We have made significant improvements to the building infrastructure and to how it is managed. For example, an intelligent building management system - utilising 19 energy meters - is now in place controlling the temperature and air conditioning. “We are really proud to receive this certificate and to be working alongside the UK Government with its vision for a low-carbon future. Johnson Controls GWS is committed to helping our customers find innovative solutions that improve energy efficiency and sustainability,” Shelton added.

Martin Townsend, Director of BREEAM at BRE Global, said: "BREEAM is now leading the way internationally both for new and existing buildings. This BREEAM In-Use certification is the first of many to be achieved in the UK and worldwide”.

Further information can be obtained from BREEAM