1920’s Train Workshop Transforms to Top Green Event Venue

In the heart of Germany, in the college town of Goettingen, a remarkable story unfolds on the floor of what once was a locomotive repair house. It all started in 1855, when an engine workshop was put into operation in Goettingen. Before and during World War I, the railway system in the area was reconstructed, and as part of this development, the Lokhalle was built in 1917. Major repair works, especially on steam locomotives, travelling the North-South Route, took place here.

Following the closure of the facility for almost two decades, a utilization concept for the site was designed, and restoration of this historical place began. In 1998, the Lokhalle Goettingen opened its doors, offering 9,000 square meters of indoor space, and over 7,000 square meters outdoor area. A multi-functional and high-tech event venue, nestled in this fascinating 1920’s industrial building, was created. The Lokhalle Goettingen impresses with its unusual architecture, and counts among the most popular locations for meetings and events in Germany.

Over the past few years, the Lokhalle Goettingen has become one of Green Globe’s top performing members. The philosophy of sustainability has been integrated at all levels, making it the core of the company’s corporate strategy. "Living in times of constant economic and ecological changes, it is important to conduct business in a socially and ecologically responsible way, promoting awareness among employees and clients, and within the community," said Nicole Klammer, Event Manager at the Lokhalle Goettingen. "Sustainable event management means we have to invest in the future, taking a step beyond living and communicating this awareness. We strive to be the top location when it comes to choosing a green event venue in Germany."

In recent years, the Lokhalle Goettingen could lower their energy consumption dramatically – leaving a considerably smaller footprint. Environmental goals and operational performance is strictly monitored by a special Green Team, consisting of employees from different departments. An optimized waste management system is in place, and the Lokhalle Goettingen provides a convenient recycling infrastructure in form of recycling stations and recycling points throughout the complex. Visitors are encouraged to travel in a responsible way and take advantage of the ‘Green Arrival’ package, a special offer in conjunction with German national railway Deutsche Bahn. For local transportation, the event venue provides its own fleet of bicycles, and employs a bicycle courier.

The Lokhalle Goettingen is a member with ECOPROFIT (ECO logical, PRO project, F for, I Integrated Environmental, T Technology) Goettingen, a collaborative project of businesses from the region, working with a cost-saving operational environmental management system. This project was launched in 2011 to research economic opportunities of an intelligent environment and resource protection, promoted by the Urban Business Development section of the city of Goettingen. In 2012, when evaluating the environmental and economic success of the measures implemented, it showed that all members had achieved significant improvements in corporate environmental performance.