Proven biodiversity: Europe's first supermarket developed according to cradle-to-cradle principles demonstrates biodiversity

Before Hula

A unique building, an unproven promise

With LOOP Markt in Haimhausen, RATISBONA built Europe's first supermarket according to cradle-to-cradle principles, largely using reusable and recyclable materials. But that alone was not enough for RATISBONA. The company also wanted to show that its building has a positive impact on nature and attracts more species than were originally present.

The Hula solution

Sensors integrated from the outset

RATISBONA uses Hula to track the ecological development of its sites in real time, including reference areas to put the impact into context.

• BioT sensors on the project areas, at ecologically significant points and among the trees
• Additional sensors on ecologically similar reference areas
• Real-time tracking of biological activity and on-site microclimate data, with automated analysis including human-in-the-loop quality control

The Hula impact

Evidence that more species are establishing themselves, and the effort this saves

Continuous comparison between project and reference areas shows how far species diversity develops beyond its original level. Hula's sensors also collect microclimate data directly on site. This allows RATISBONA to measure the actual cooling and insulation effects of greenery itself, rather than relying on general studies.

Automated data collection also saves the effort that would otherwise require an internal part-time position. Handling this task manually with a half-time position per site costs an average of around €49,000 per year. These costs are eliminated through automated monitoring such as that used by Ratisbona.

Quote

"For us, one thing is clear: sustainability must be verifiable. Hula Earth delivers exactly that - a solution that makes biodiversity and microclimate measurable and therefore manageable."
Julia Vesenjak, Innovation & Sustainability, RATISBONA