MPI Workshop II: Concept allocation for state-owned properties

What does an ideal call for bids for construction using biogenic raw materials look like?

Group work and discussion between different experts. Photo: Yoana Hristova

The second workshop in our MPI series, funded by the Berlin Senate, focused on the concept-based procurement process for state-owned properties. At the Einstein Center for Digital Future, representatives from government, the private sector, research, and cooperatives came together to identify obstacles, levers, and opportunities for renewable raw materials in calls for bids.

A presentation by Berlin Real Estate Management (BIM) introduced the evaluation matrix for the concept competition for state-owned properties, with a focus on sustainability criteria such as energy efficiency, mobility, and stormwater management. The discussion revealed:

The matrix is perceived as complex, and despite low barriers to entry, preparing a complete proposal remains a significant financial hurdle—especially for young cooperatives.

A second presentation by Stattbau provided insights from consulting practice: In collaborative workshops, participation in the concept development process was sometimes viewed as a “luxury.” There were calls for more holistic criteria that enable creative building solutions and combine socially responsible housing with ecological housing construction—keyword: the “modular” principle.

Building on the scenarios for potential building height increases in Pankow developed in Workshop I (using the Value Chain Digital Model from CHORA, TU Berlin, and Fraunhofer IPK), two working groups then discussed four key questions: ranging from challenges in participating in the process to regulatory levers and international tools for life cycle assessments (LCA). Among others, SNAP, the Tegel Matrix, BNB, One Click LCA, as well as LEED and BREEAM were cited as international models.

To drive the scaling up of construction using renewable raw materials, regulatory measures, clear incentives, and digital, AI-supported tools are needed to improve the comparability of concepts—as part of a seamless integration along the value chain from the forest to the city.

The next workshops in the MPI series will take place in January, March, April, and June 2026.