Deutsche's green HQ makeover to deliver bank savings

Deutsche Bank has announced plans to give its two 155 metre high flagship office towers in Frankfurt, Germany an environmental makeover designed to cut energy bills by an estimated 55 per cent.

The company said the towers will be fitted with a new façade, state-of-the-art energy efficient interior fittings and an entirely new green technical infrastructure, as part of a major project to be undertaken by technical services provider Imtech and completed by 2010.

Features will include low energy intelligent lighting systems, more energy efficient ventilation and air conditioning units, a smart building management system to automatically regulate temperature and water-saving systems.

The bank estimates that the refitted buildings – known as Credit and Debit - will consume around 55 per cent less energy and use 43 per cent less water. Meanwhile, an estimated 98 per cent of all the construction waste produced durign the refit will be sent for recycling.

The towers will also be given a new façade, complete with automated windows for ventilation and heat regulation. Most energy in buildings with large populations goes towards cooling and ventilation rather than heating, the company said.

Deutsche Bank said it hopes to gain the optimum platinum Leadership in Energy and Environment Design rating for the buildings from the US Green Building Council.