After 20 years of preliminary planning, construction can finally get underway: On the occasion of the start of construction for around 860 apartments in the climate protection quarter in Hilgenfeld, representatives of Mainova and ABG Frankfurt Holding, together with head of planning Mike Josef, presented the sustainable energy concept for the quarter. The development plan is expected to be approved in spring 2023. A total of 54 multifamily homes are then to be built on the 17.7-hectare site.

Around 40 percent of the apartments will be subsidized under Förderweg 1 and Förderweg 2, and four plots will be allocated to building groups for communal and cooperative living. In addition, two daycare centers and commercial space for local supply in the neighborhood are planned. The first residents are expected to move into Hilgenfeld on the edge of the Niddatal by 2026. Josef emphasized that the new residential area for around 2,500 people on the Frankfurter Berg would be one of the most climate-friendly residential quarters in Germany.

ABG Frankfurt Holding‘s claim is to take account of the effects of climate change and the sharp rise in fossil energy prices. With this in mind, the neighborhood and energy concept allows for the consideration of all CO2 emissions for heating, hot water, general electricity and household electricity, says Frank Junker, Chairman of ABG.

Geothermal energy, photovoltaic thermal systems and heat pumps are key elements: The residential buildings will be connected to an intelligent heating network and supplied via three heating centers. Only three buildings in which the heating centers are located will be connected to the supraregional gas network. Natural gas boilers are available for peak loads in winter and as a reserve. Electricity is generated in the district by means of photovoltaic systems on the roofs. This energy is used to operate the heat pumps and charge the battery storage units. Any additional electricity required comes from the public grid.