• The building shell has insulation systems, e.g. exterior walls at ground level and facade panes, that meet current standards

• Creation of an energy saving concept for the swimming and diving pool at the SSE and Velodrom in 2016. Implementation has been taking place since 2017

• Conversion of security lighting to LED (redesign of lighting, less consumption due to more efficient switching concept)

• Successive replacement of all conventional light sources with LEDs

• Continuous optimization through conversions/renovations in the area of air conditioning technology and commercial refrigeration technology

• Refrigeration modernized

• Renewal of building control system

• Installation of high-speed gate, for rapid building closure

• Heating technology: external rooms such as offices can be heated separately without running a large ventilation system

• CO2 compensation for the delivery of letters throughout the Gegenbauer group of companies

• CO2 compensation for business trips and fleet

• Time limiters on taps and showers

• Water savings by changing aerators to economy aerators

• Optimize water heating by using instantaneous water heaters instead of hot water tanks for areas with low consumption levels

• Cold water supply in all visitor areas

• Gate air curtains at regularly used building entrances and access points

• Comprehensive metering system with the new possibility of better allocating consumption and thus being able to initiate targeted savings measures.

• Predominantly paperless processes throughout in management, central print management

• We have dispensed with the printing of classic event flyers. Instead, we are increasingly relying on digital news channels, such as newsletters and social media, to inform visitors.

• Reduction of waste through waste separation, waste compactors, separate styrofoam waste collection

• Reduction of environmental (waste separation - e.g. separate collection and disposal of propellant containers such as deodorants or hairsprays

• Waste separation in the management area

• Recycling of the old dismantled cycle track and use of the wood for furniture and artwork, use in the Velodrom, among other places

• Fat Recycling with ReFood: At the Max-Schmeling-Halle and Velodrom, we are committed to environmentally conscious practices. Since 2015, we have been partnering with ReFood to collect and recycle used cooking fats from our catering services. The recovered material is then repurposed — for example, as an energy source or raw material — actively contributing to the sustainability of both our event venues.

• Minimization of carbon emissions from guests, players, and performers traveling to and from events was already a key focus during the hall’s construction, with an emphasis on utilizing the railway network and public transport in general. See here for more information on how to reach us: directions

• Additional carbon-free travel alternatives are available, such as renting a bike from the bike-sharing provider nextbike.. Our cooperation partner has a few docking stations close by the velodrom.

• Choosing suppliers that offer regional, seasonal and/or organic produce

• Refraining from the use of straws and plastic cutlery; ordering larger packs, rather than small packages

• We use reusable returnable tumblers (deposit scheme), rather than disposable tumblers, avoid producing high volumes of waste and use rubbish compressors to minimise the waste volume

• Surplus food and drinks are donated to various charitable institutions

• Freshly made meals with vegetarian and vegan ingredients

Velomax Berlin takes the following points into account when procuring products and purchasing services:

• 100% green electricity from renewable sources

• We avoid unnecessary printing and reduce the consumption of paper, toners and electricity

• We strive for an almost paper-free office operation; documentation and invoicing is done electronically

• Compliance with sustainability criteria in procurement processes and orders for services, e.g. payment of social security contributions, no pseudo self-employment; compliance with minimum wage and tariff specifications, compliance with occupational health and safety, etc.

• Exclusive use of suppliers listed in the Newtron supplier platform, preferably regional suppliers

• Occupational health management for employees, offers such as massages, fruit and sports activities

• Sustainable topics are proposed and their implementation discussed in regular meetings

• Information dissemination and training of all employees and stakeholders

• Hundreds of thousands of visitors pass through the Velodrom and its side venues every year. We are therefore a multiplier and try to live up to this responsibility in our communication to visitors. We show our engagement on notice boards in the arena as well as through our online channels. Continuous improvement is our goal

• Integrating sustainability strategies into corporate principles and communication tools

• Knowledge transfer, e.g. guided tours and presentations to students and other interested parties

• Integrating the sustainability strategy into corporate principles and communication tools

• Participation in events as a speaker for best practice examples / first mover at conferences, e.g. association and industry meetings such as Most Wanted Music, the Reeperbahnfestival, EVVC conferences, etc.

• Dialog partners regionally and nationwide (radio, TV, print, online)

Transparency in our company as well as continuous improvement of all processes is our claim. In order to meet this standard, we are committed to the following management systems and regular audits and certifications:

DIN EN ISO 9001 Quality Management
DIN EN ISO 14001 Environmental management
DIN EN ISO 50001 Energy management
DIN ISO 45001 Occupational health and safety management

Velomax is part of Apleona, which is assessed annually by EcoVadis – a globally recognized, independent provider of sustainability ratings. The evaluation is based on 21 criteria grouped into four key areas:

• Environment & Energy

• Labor & Human Rights

• Ethics & Compliance

• Sustainable Procurement

As part of the audit process, companies are required to provide comprehensive evidence of how sustainability practices are integrated and implemented – both within their own operations and throughout the supply chain.

In July 2023, Apleona was awarded the Platinum Medal by EcoVadis for the third consecutive year – the highest rating category.

During the lime blossom season in summer, busy bees can be found buzzing around the Prenzlauer Berg, helping to pollinate the local flora. In an effort to combat the "bee crisis" and support the surrounding ecosystem, the Velodrom has partnered with a local beekeeper.

Several bee colonies now live on the roof of the Velodrom, contributing to biodiversity and producing delicious honey each year. Velomax Berlin is proud of this bee-friendly and eco-conscious partnership, and the annual harvest of local honey.