Making sustainable neighborhoods possible with degewo AG

CLIENT

degewo AG

SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY
BRAND & COMMUNICATION
Since October 2023

The problem

In many large housing estates, the question arises as to how we can activate local residents to help shape the neighborhood and become active on their doorstep. The state-owned Berlin housing association degewo saw potential for a tenant project in Gropiusstadt in Berlin-Neukölln to promote sustainability in the large neighborhood — and above all to inspire and win over those who are not yet convinced by the topic.

Our solution

Using participatory methods such as an open meeting as a kick-off, concrete actions, and events, we built a self-organized community of neighbors. We acted as mediators between tenants and degewo and worked in the neighborhood to answer the question of how the residents imagine a shared future — and how we can get there step by step. Through measures that enable people to save money in times of inflation and rising living costs, we were able to address and activate previously unreached target groups.

For example, we launched a major appeal to apply for balcony solar power stations and a Berlin subsidy for them and made this possible at a low threshold as part of “application parties.” Regulars’ tables, swap markets, and measures for a cleaner, greener, and more mobile neighborhood ensure that neighborhood cohesion is strengthened and sustainability is viewed holistically in the local context. The aim is to promote self-efficacy and show that in a community with neighbors even the seemingly impossible can be achieved.

Our impact

With the events tailored to Gropiusstadt, we were able to reach more than 1,000 residents and bring about change beyond the duration of the project: In the course of the project, a self-organized group of almost 50 active neighbors has formed, which continues to drive forward selected topics.

View the “Mehrweg Playbook"