RAL office in Bonn

Since 2017, the RAL building in the Beuel district of Bonn has been the home and headquarters of RAL Deutsches Institut für Gütesicherung und Kennzeichnung e. V. and the associated RAL gGmbH. The modern, energy-efficient office building, which is available to around 80 permanent employees, is located on a 3,000 square metre site. Part of the building concept is a spacious conference area for conferences as well as training and further education programmes as part of the RAL Academy. A special feature of the building, which was planned and realised by Bonn-based architect Dipl. Ing. Frank Piotrowski, is the extensive use of RAL quality assured products and services in all areas. Colour components of the globally used RAL colours are also used on and in the building. The use of a large number of materials that have been awarded the Blue Angel environmental label is also in keeping with RAL’s self-image.

During the construction of the building, special attention was paid to the use of RAL quality assured building materials and the use of appropriate services that that align with the company’s commitment to sustainability. Many of the products used have also been awarded the Blue Angel or EU Ecolabel. These include a large proportion of office equipment such as office chairs and desks, consumables such as washing-up liquid and printer paper, as well as flooring materials.

When it comes to power supply and heating and cooling, RAL is committed to using sustainable energy sources. A photovoltaic system installed on the spacious flat roof can cover around 50% of the building’s daily electricity needs. Any additional electricity required comes exclusively from sustainable sources. The sustainable RAL building is heated using geothermal energy (ground source heat).
In summer, smart sunshades and built-in ceiling cooling ensure a pleasant indoor climate. A heat exchange system keeps the building’s air consistently warm or comfortably cool depending on the season.

The exterior of the RAL building is designed to be close to nature with native wild flowers, shrubs and trees. Many insects find a place to live and the building’s own bees have enough food sources for honey production.
In addition, the visitor car parks are constructed with gravel surfaces. Rainwater is absorbed into the ground through infiltration areas and then directed to a drainage system for controlled release into the groundwater.

The company’s commitment to sustainability also extends to employee mobility. Employees can receive a job ticket for commuting via public transport. They can also use a job bike. In addition, electric car charging stations have been installed at the RAL building.