For centering environmental responsibility in construction project management

Project Manager at GARBE Immobilien Projekte GmbH | Hamburg, Germany

Most major construction projects are built using traditional resources and materials, often at the expense of sustainability. But there is an efficient way to integrate sustainable resources, and doing so is crucial to the work ethic of Benedict Pielmeier, the innovative project manager for GARBE Immobilien Projekte GmbH’s 19-story high-rise, dubbed “Roots.” His project, Roots, which will be planted in the center of Hamburg’s HafenCity district, is poised to become the city’s tallest wooden high-rise—with 128 individual condominium-style apartments— to incorporate so much sustainable material.

Benedict explains that his company, which already has a commitment to sustainability, opted to make the unconventional decision to integrate wood alongside prefabricated materials to construct the buildings. This not only allowed them to construct a more durable project; it contributes to a reduction of the building’s carbon footprint and helps to reduce noise emissions, something future residents will surely appreciate.

Benedict takes pride in being inventive and creating new kinds of building projects. He is aware that this massive endeavor could have been incredibly difficult to manage, but he’s brought together a team that works well together. When everything goes according to plan, he says, there’s a good mood on the construction site that reflects the thoughtful planning that’s gone into it. And for Benedict, there are few things as satisfying as managing a successful, massive project like Roots, one that is poised to be both enduring and environmentally sound.