Soil remediation as an integral part of brownfield projects

Sustainable and future-oriented – soil remediation is the foundation of successful brownfield projects. What may appear to be a purely technical process is, in fact, a crucial lever for climate protection, land recycling, and site attractiveness. Only where contaminants are professionally removed and soils are ecologically stabilized can new, sustainable uses emerge – from logistics and industrial facilities to urban mixed-use developments.

• Sustainability as a guiding principle: Proper soil remediation protects groundwater and ecosystems, reduces contamination risks, and enables revitalization without additional land sealing. It actively contributes to achieving national climate goals and plays a vital role in conserving resources.
• Economic and structural resilience: The reactivation of contaminated land strengthens existing locations and supports regional value creation. It prevents further urban sprawl and safeguards jobs. Especially in urban environments, it is often the only viable way to realize new development projects.
• Technical excellence as a success factor: From contamination surveys and innovative remediation technologies to seamless integration into construction processes – modern methods, close interdisciplinary coordination, and digital tools make soil remediation today more precise, efficient, and sustainable than ever before.

Sustainable and Future-Oriented – Soil Remediation as the Key to Brownfield Projects

Brownfield developments continue to pose unique challenges. Contaminated soil, unclear ownership, heritage protection, or outdated infrastructure can make revitalization complex. Yet, they also offer significant strategic advantages: through densification, no new land is sealed – an important contribution to achieving climate targets – and existing commercial sites are preserved rather than forcing logistics and industry to relocate to outlying areas.

Value Dimensions

• Sustainability:

Revitalizing former industrial land conserves land resources and prevents additional surface sealing. Studies show that high-quality soil remediation not only mitigates groundwater and soil risks but also safeguards the ecological and social functions of the site for the future.

• Infrastructure advantages:

Existing industrial sites often benefit from well-developed transport, energy, and broadband infrastructure – ideal conditions for modern logistics spaces. In Germany, over 50% of all new logistics properties developed in the first half of 2025 were already located on brownfield sites¹.

• Securing existing sites:

Using existing land allows commercial areas to maintain competitiveness through shorter supply chains, existing infrastructure connections, and regional economic integration.

• Economic resilience:

Logistics and industrial spaces on former industrial sites foster regional value creation and employment instead of shifting them to peripheral regions.

Technical and Procedural Aspects

The realization of such projects requires a systematic approach to soil remediation:

1. Assessment & Risk Analysis:
   Before acquisition or contract signing, a historical review and soil and groundwater investigations are carried out to identify potential contamination.
2. Remediation Strategy and Technology Selection:
   Based on the findings, it is determined whether a traditional “dig & dump” approach or alternative methods (in-situ stabilization, soil washing, or biological treatments) are appropriate. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) analyses help to compare the environmental impacts of different remediation options.
3. Integration into Project Development:
   Remediation and construction processes must be closely coordinated from the start – for example, through weekly alignment between construction management, demolition, and remediation contractors – to minimize time and cost risks.
4. Sustainable Building Standards:
   Modern logistics parks on brownfield sites increasingly aim for sustainability certifications (e.g., DGNB – German Sustainable Building Council) and integrate recycled materials, photovoltaic systems, and electric vehicle charging stations.

A striking example from the GARBE portfolio: in Dortmund, GARBE Industrial transformed approximately 45 hectares of the former Westfalenhütte steel and ironworks site into more than 225,000 m² of new logistics and commercial space. Over 3,000 tons of soil material were moved per day – a clear indicator of the project’s scale and its upfront investment costs, but also of its importance. Today, the fully leased site is considered a benchmark project for the revitalization of former industrial land across the sector.

This example shows that GARBE has long been committed to brownfield development. With the foundation of GARBE Regeneration in summer 2025, this focus will be further expanded and professionalized.

See also: “5 Questions for the Expert” – Interview with Rick Mädel, Managing Director of GARBE Regeneration.

Conclution

In the context of brownfield logistics projects, consistent soil remediation is not an optional extra but an integral part of the value chain. Those who take this step strategically from the outset create sites for the future – ecologically, economically, and socially. At the same time, the financial impact must not be underestimated: depending on the level of contamination, remediation can account for up to 20% of total project costs, or even more in heavily polluted areas. Nevertheless, these investments are worthwhile – not only from an environmental standpoint but also as a long-term strategy to secure viable land in a market where available greenfield sites are rapidly disappearing.