S IMMO: Sofia’s Serdika Center awarded DGNB gold certificate

As the first shopping center in Bulgaria, the Serdika Center in Sofia was awarded the DGNB Certificate in Gold by the Bulgarian Green Building Council (BGBC). The BGBC certification system is based on that of the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB), so that the same certification standards are applied. The prize was awarded yesterday in Sofia, during the BGBC’s first annual conference.

Sustainability and environmental protection were among the foremost considerations when the project partners were planning the shopping centre. S IMMO and ECE focused their joint efforts on economical and efficient use of energy and resources. Major factors were the use of renewable energy sources, resource efficient use of materials, multiple functionalities, high-quality infrastructure, individual mobility, efficient water circulating systems and environmentally friendly waste disposal.

Friedrich Wachernig, Member of the S IMMO AG Board: “For us as investors, Serdika Center is a unique and highly successful project in a number of different respects. This certification is further confirmation of the outstanding nature of the property. And at the same time it is a paradigmatic example of S IMMO’s long-term strategy and commitment to sustainable development.”

ECE Managing Director Alexander Otto: “For ECE, a responsible approach to the use of resources had been a cornerstone of our corporate philosophy for many years. Short-term maximisation of earnings has never been one of ECE’s goals – our responsibility to society for the consequences of our key decisions has always been at the forefront of our awareness. As European market leader in the development and management of inner city shopping centres, we see it as one of our tasks to pave the way for more sustainability in our industry.”

The Serdika Center is praised in particular the revitalisation of derelict inner city land, where a former military base had stood. Other aspects singled out for praise were the shopping centre’s highly efficient building services and lighting systems, leading to reduced use of non-renewable energy resources, and the extensive use of green roofing to absorb solar radiation. The entire centre is a barrier-free construction.

Serdika Center opened on 15 March 2010. With its more than 200 businesses, it is Bulgaria’s biggest shopping centre. The project was planned and developed by S IMMO AG and ECE, with a total investment of around EUR 210m. The centre, with its three floors, offers shoppers an enviably large selection of retailers of the latest national and international fashions, extensive catering facilities and a wide range of services. Above the shopping centre there is 30,000 m² of top quality office space, which has also received a DGNB gold certificate. Serdika Center is located on Sitnyakovo Boulevard in the inner city district of Oborishte. There are numerous bus and tram stops in the immediate neighbourhood.