Berlin: The Asia Pacific Weeks Conference

I went to two parts of the Asia Pacific Weeks Conference: one day of the Urban Sustainability Conference and two days of the International Water Conference, learning not only the German approach to sustainability and water, but also some of the German opinion and relationship with Asian countries.

I talked to Bastian Whitstock, a Dipl. (similar to a PhD) student in engineering at the University of Stuttgart. His focus is Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) in the construction industry so we had a lot in common. He is involved in the German Green Building Council, which is currently being developed. Instead of using a point system like LEED, they are planning to do something that is based on LCA, since they feel that it is a better assessment of overall sustainability. I’m interested in learning more about LCA and understand better the similarities and difference between that and LEED. As I described to Bastian, LEED has been successful in changing the market toward more green development. However, people that work with LEED still realize some of its shortcomings – many criteria have 1 point but some are much more important to sustainability than others. (I doubt locally sourced granite countertops have the same impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions as much as that last energy efficiency point.)

Some highlights:
Dr. Prof. Manfred Kohler from the University of Neubrandenburg (the professor that recommended the conference to me) gave a great presentation about green roofs. Green roofs are quite common here – looking out from the top of Potsdamer Platz, you can see many planted rooftops. There is also a rainwater fee for all buildings, but it is reduced if you have a green roof. Manfred also went on to describe green walls, which also helps with the evapotranspiration of water that can help cool a building and reduce the urban heat island effect as well as creating a greener street. I noticed that extra greenery provided by the ivy on the buildings that are next to my friend’s apartment I stayed at this week – I thought that street was one of the prettiest since it had not only street trees, but also the ivy. Greenery in a city that is dominated by hard surfaces is even more special than it would be in the typical American city.

Manfred did have some pictures of Minneapolis in his powerpoint – the lawn bowling roof at Brits and the Phillips Eco-prise Center, both taken when he was in at the Green Roofs conference this past spring.

He noted that in Europe, the governmental regulation is leading the green building movement, while in the US it is the private industry. At least for green roofs, they have been around Berlin for a lot longer than in the U.S. – perhaps 20 years or so. The tour included a visit to the top of the Daimler Chrysler building, which is one of the highest points in Berlin. From there you can see numerous green roofs. Since it is September, they aren’t the brightest shade of green, but they do add to the view more than blacktop.

When I get a chance, I will add some tour pictures!