On June 9-12, 2025, representatives of Polish local governments and international partners had the opportunity to participate in a study visit to Hamburg, organized by the Association of Municipalities Polish Network “Energie Cités”. The visit was aimed at inspiring representatives of municipalities to implement innovative solutions and show Hamburg’s approach to urban planning, including modernization of buildings and implementation of renewable energy sources. Participants had the opportunity to learn about good practices that have not only made Hamburg stand out today in terms of innovation, but were created as a response to problems the city once faced.
HafenCity – once a problematic port district, now an innovative city within a city
One of the highlights of the agenda was a visit to HafenCity, the largest project for the revitalization of an inner-city port area in Europe. Participants had the opportunity to learn about Hamburg’s unique approach to urban planning, which combines residential, commercial and recreational functions in the spirit of sustainable development. Guide Uwe A. Carstensen introduced, among other things, the concept of “controlled flooding” as an innovative element of flood control, the use of green roofs, solar energy, and the integration of smart mobility, such as carsharing and limited parking.
IBA Hamburg – International Building Exhibition 2006-2013
The Wilhelmsburg district was the focus area of the IBA Hamburg International Building Exhibition from 2006 to 2013, with more than 60 urban, architectural and social projects realized here, centered around three main themes: Productive City, Climate City and Educational City.
The exhibition was a space for experimentation and design courage – architects had a lot of freedom to create innovative solutions to climate, social and economic challenges. An example of this approach is, among others, the BIQ House – a building with a facade that produces microalgae as part of an active façade. IBA Hamburg’s projects have become a model of modern urban policy and continue to inspire European cities today in terms of sustainable transformation.
Equally important on the agenda was a visit to a housing development on Weimarer Street, where a comprehensive modernization of buildings was carried out with the voice of the local community in mind. The goal was not only to raise energy standards and living comfort, but above all to ensure the continuity of housing – so that residents could remain in their homes even after the modernization was completed. The process involved extensive public participation, based on trust, dialogue and co-design of solutions. This approach avoided gentrification and demonstrated that energy efficiency can and should go hand in hand with social sensitivity.
Energy Campus Hamburg – innovation in energy transition
On the next day of the visit, the participants visited the Energy Campus Hamburg technology center – a research and education unit operating within the structure of the HAW Hamburg University of Applied Sciences. Prof. Hans Schäfers presented a plan for Germany’s energy transition and an interdisciplinary approach to research and implementation of modern renewable energy and energy efficiency solutions.
Architectural heritage and the energy future
Participants also toured the historic Kontorhausviertel district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Speicherstadt complex, the world’s largest warehouse complex built on stilts, which is currently undergoing a transformation towards climate neutrality. During a walking tour with Professor Wolfgang Willkomm, participants learned not only about the unique architecture and history of this part of Hamburg, but also about the Block H warehouse modernization project under the “CO₂-neutral Speicherstadt 2040” concept. This project involves the transformation of selected sites into energy-efficient buildings, while preserving their historic character.
Both foreign experts and representatives of Polish municipalities emphasized the great practical value and inspiring role of the Hamburg experience. The event created a space for knowledge exchange, networking and reflection on the future of green transformation in our local communities.
The event was held as part of a public task supported by the Ministry of Funds and Regional Policy to strengthen administrative capacity for green and energy transformation.
The visit was also an important part of the international project OUR-CEE (Overcoming Underperforming Renovations in Central and Eastern Europe), which addresses the challenge of increasing the energy efficiency of building renovations in the Central and Eastern European region.
OUR-CEE (Overcoming Underperforming Renovations in Central and Eastern Europe) is part of the European Climate Initiative (EUKI) of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK).
Source: PNEC
