Ecolabel Hafencity certification

The Hafencity Ecolabel certifies sustainable buildings in two stages.

Gold: for special achievements in the respective category
Special achievements (Gold) refer to the ecological characteristics of the building, which can be implemented either without additional costs or with economically justifiable additional costs if specified at an early stage. These additional costs are considered justifiable if they are amortized within a short period of time through the operation of the building.

Platinum: for exceptional performance in the respective category Exceptional performance (platinum) refers to sustainable features of the building that can be achieved through innovative measures. These measures generally require additional effort in terms of planning, implementation and construction costs.

In order to achieve platinum certification, the special achievements of the respective categories must also be fulfilled. Compliance with category 1 “Sustainable use of energy resources” is mandatory for Platinum certification.

How does the certification work?

The certification process with the Hafencity Ecolabel comprises several certification steps in cooperation between the applicant, HafenCity Hamburg GmbH (HCH), a qualified specialist planner (auditor) and an external accredited assessor.

1. Early planning and application: The applicant selects the targeted categories before the start of an architectural competition, as many objectives need to be considered early in the planning process. Approximately three months after the award, the application for the eco-label must be submitted, including an agreement with HafenCity Hamburg GmbH (HCH).
2. Cooperation and execution/implementation: The client commissions qualified specialist planners to achieve the required certification targets. These objectives are monitored and documented throughout the entire construction process.
3. Inspection and confirmation: The documentation of the construction work is checked by approved external experts who confirm compliance with the agreed requirements. HCH itself does not carry out any checks, but relies on external experts who are commissioned and paid by the applicant.
4. Use of the eco-label: After successful testing, the building owner receives a provisional right to use the eco-label. If the agreements are not fulfilled, penalties may be imposed or the eco-label may be withdrawn.
5. Documentation and monitoring: All required evidence must be made available by the applicant at all times so that the approved assessor can check it. The assessor informs HafenCity Hamburg GmbH (HCH) about the monitoring. The eco-label can only be awarded if the documentation is complete and transparent.

Source: Hafencity Ecolabel