Ecological building services and renovation
Our seminar house has a modern energy-saving infrastructure. A large solar thermal system on the roof of the building provides hot water from solar energy all year round – if the sun is shining. In addition, a photovoltaic system with a capacity of 11kW, which was installed on the roof of the KuBiZ in cooperation with FreiRäume Foundation, provides ecological electricity for the house.
During the renovation of KuBiZ, we tried to preserve as much of the old building fabric as possible. For example, the parquet floors, which are more than 100 years old, were renovated and the old building windows were adapted to modern thermal insulation standards with seals. The remaining floors are fitted with environmentally friendly linoleum. The ecological insulation material Isoflock was used to insulate the intermediate ceilings. In addition, we use ecologically compatible paints and varnishes wherever possible.
The washbasins are equipped with infrared technology to save water and energy and to enable the most hygienic use possible.
Equipment
When it comes to equipment, we value the durability of materials and purchased devices.
We equipped our radiators with electronically controlled thermostats, which make it easier for us to heat the rooms optimally. They switch off automatically when the windows are open. Washing machine, tumble dryer, refrigerator and dishwasher also meet the ecological state of the art standard.
Bed linen and towels are repaired whenever possible and used for a long time – colourful and varied, just as we would like the world to be. The beds are equipped with breathable and antibacterial protective covers to protect mattresses and to keep the cleaning effort as low as possible.
We use ecological detergents, cleaning agents and soaps.
Ecological supply
Our goal is to run the seminar and guesthouse etage as ecologically and sustainably as possible. We attach great importance to local suppliers, fair working conditions and ecological production standards.
Therefore, we also offer seminar groups a small selection of organic and fair-trade food at cost (coffee, tea, sugar, cocoa…). We can also particularly recommend our long-standing partner chef from organic grünstern catering.
Cleaning and washing products as well as toilet paper and paper towels are always organic.
Out and about in Berlin
You can and should leave your car at home! There is no reason to drive to Berlin – we have a well-developed public transport system (ÖPNV)! The tram line M4 connects Weißensee quickly and directly to the city centre and runs 24/7. Travelling by bus and train is easy and comfortable.
Cargo bike for running errands and local shopping
To enable you to do your shopping on site, we also provide our Paulin cargo bike for guest groups. With the bike, which has an electric motor, you can easily and safely transport 100kg. Please contact us 1-2 weeks before your arrival to clarify your needs for using the cargo bike, as Paulin is also available to neighbours from Monday to Thursday via the fLotte rental system.
Water and Sustainability Project
The Förderverein Offene Bildung Umwelt Kultur e.V. as the operator of tagungswerk has been participating in a European partnership project on the topic of “water use and sustainability” since 2013 (further information). Within the framework of this project, we have set ourselves the goal of optimising our direct and indirect water consumption and developing and optimising learning methods that deal with this topic area.
First practical results from the project:
- Purchase of new ecologically sound duvets and pillows: The research in the learning partnership project revealed that both animal products (down) and cotton products as well as products made of polyester (plastic) are ecologically problematic. During our further research we came across viscose as an alternative product. It has very good moisture transport properties and is therefore well suited for bedding. In addition, there are modern production methods that are already in large-scale industrial use in Austria, which have very positive environmental characteristics. However, the product is currently mostly offered in combination with cotton. Therefore, we compared different types of cotton production and their effects on water consumption and ecosystems in the producing countries. We came to the conclusion that cotton from small-scale organic production and fair trade is the best option and that the environmental impact of this production method is comparatively low.After researching the market and comparing the products and ecological and economic aspects, we decided on products from the German manufacturers Badenia (Trendline and Irisette Tencel) and f.a.n. (Cotton made in Africa Tencel)
- Acquisition of a device for “bubbling up” tap water in PET bottles
- Optimisation of the selection and use of cleaning agents and detergents