This paper focuses on the sustainable redevelopment of real estate properties. The investigation comprises case studies of eleven redevelopment projects in Hamburg and at other locations in Germany of areas which were once used for industrial, commercial, military or residential purposes. A calculation method was developed which enables the evaluation of the quality of the redevelopment measures carried out for the projects. A number of criteria were found to be decisive including the physical and geological layout of the premises, the infrastructure, the level of soil contamination and protection of the
environment, the quality of land used for residential and non-residential purposes and its social impact.

A weighted scoring scheme has been developed that quantitatively expresses both the technical part of the redevelopment and the social benefit. This enables a process of mathematical exploration rather than a rough estimation of all factors involved. By taking into account all the parameters studied, a “quality factor” has been determined to assess the quality of any redevelopment. It has emerged that social benefit is a key issue in the redevelopment process and must be given a high priority. It is believed that the scoring scheme could serve as a tool for investors, planners and decision makers in companies and
building authorities before, during and after the redevelopment process.