Each year, the Schleswig-Holstein Economic Research and Development Association (StFG) honours companies with the Business Environmental Award. blu by AUG. PRIEN has now received this prestigious recognition for the "UBS4" pilot project in Norderstedt – a testament to its pioneering work in sustainable construction. The project's defining strength was its holistic approach to life cycle assessment. With 71 social housing units, UBS4 demonstrated compellingly how optimised construction processes and thoughtfully selected materials can deliver genuine sustainability. The goal was clear: minimise the building's carbon footprint at every stage – from construction through to ongoing operation. The ceremony at Kiel's Landeshaus brought together 200 guests to celebrate this achievement. Kristina Herbst, President of the Schleswig-Holstein State Parliament, opened the proceedings, followed by Dr Philipp Murmann, CEO of StFG, who presented a bronze relief plaque crafted by sculptor Georg Engst and a certificate outlining the award's rationale. The winners also included Holcim (Lägerdorf plant) and Werner Vollert Tiefbau (Büdelsdorf). Tobias Goldschmidt, the State's Minister for Energy Transition, Climate Protection, Environment and Nature, concluded the event with remarks acknowledging the importance of this work.

"This project exemplifies how innovative approaches in construction can meaningfully address the climate crisis and illuminate the path forward for sustainable urban development," Murmann reflected. The Business Environmental Award recognises companies, public institutions, and private organisations that champion environmental and nature protection. Recipients are those whose activities exceed legal requirements, introducing new processes or products that exemplify environmental stewardship and economic responsibility. This ethos resonates deeply with Carsten Joost, Managing Director of blu by AUG. PRIEN: "Let this award inspire us to dismantle the silos that persist in our industry. Only through genuine collaboration can we rise to meet the complex challenges of our era." Michael Groß, Managing Director of AUG. PRIEN Bauunternehmung, underscores the fundamental shift the company is catalysing: "As the AUG. PRIEN Group, we're proud to be setting new benchmarks alongside blu, embedding innovative criteria that will define construction's future. The carbon footprint of building materials and methods will fundamentally reshape how we build tomorrow – not incrementally, but transformatively."

About blu by AUG. PRIEN

How will we live, work, and build tomorrow? Founded in 2022, blu by AUG. PRIEN serves as the innovation hub for the AUG. PRIEN Group. Here, construction projects take shape that weave together sustainability, innovation, and economic viability. With bold vision and pioneering spirit, blu by AUG. PRIEN engages with policy makers and industry partners to build differently – deploying entirely new approaches, materials, and modular solutions. It's about catalysing the mindset shift our housing and construction sector – and our society – urgently needs.

About the Awarded Project

How do you build, operate, and maintain a structure with minimal carbon emissions – while keeping costs competitive, as social housing demands? The "UBS4" project in Norderstedt, with 71 social housing units, provides a compelling answer. The strategy was multifaceted: non-load-bearing timber frame walls dramatically reduced the reinforced concrete structure; factory-prefabricated elements (bathrooms, kitchens) cut transport needs and accelerated timelines. Material selection proved crucial – recycled clinker brick, straw boards replacing conventional plasterboard, and renewable cellulose insulation all played their part. Then came the real breakthrough. "At UBS4, we pioneered the use of geopolymer concrete – an innovative material that eliminates cement entirely," notes Michael Groß, Managing Director of AUG. PRIEN Bauunternehmung. "This decision underscores our group's commitment to meaningfully reducing the construction industry's carbon footprint and building a climate-conscious future."

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