Model Projects: IBA Hamburg and HafenCity
The 2013 International Building Exhibition (IBA Hamburg) project and HafenCity are projects placing Hamburg at the forefront of international standards in sustainable urban development. Hamburg's motto "growth with foresight" encourages inward urban development through conversion sites (not built up area) and by compaction.
Examples include HafenCity, Europe’s largest inner city development project, as well as the IBA Hamburg in Wilhelmsburg.

Building renovation and noise
The climate-friendly renovation of buildings receives the same level of support as increased use of rooftops for the generation of solar electricity.

An important part of Hamburg’s noise strategy includes the planned A7 noise cover, which will cover four kilometers of the A7 highway. Further, energetic rent index standards are under development, designed to accurately assess the costs of energy in the average home.
In addition, Hamburg promotes enhanced construction of passive houses. The Hanseatic City premiered its own passive house in the Shanghai Expo 2010, disseminating passive building practices in new ways.

Hamburg Planning: Providing a higher quality of life in Schnelsen with the A7-cover.