“Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.“ This definition formulated by the Brundtland Report is as relevant today as it was when it was drafted in 1987.

The exhibition LEVEL GREEN – The Concept of Sustainability examines various dimensions of sustainability and uses architecture to display the content in an interactive and playful way. Situated on approximately 1 000 m², the ‘experiential space Sustainability’ is an interplay between a walk-in sculptural installation, divided into six themed areas, and the 26 exhibits within it.

Dr. Maria Schneider, the Autostadt’s Creative Director and initiator of the exhibition comments on the approach taken: ”The goal of the exhibition is to provide an holistic, personally relevant and positive view of sustainability while at the same time engaging with the critical aspects as well as future challenges. For our frame of reference we use three basic aspects: the environment, the economy and society. The premise of this is that sustainable development can only be achieved by the simultaneous and equitable implementation of environmental, economic and social goals. We do this bearing in mind its relevance to everyday life e.g. the visitor is able to access the complexity of the topic by virtue of commonplace examples which are both aesthetically and intellectually appealing.

The architectonic design was inspired by the manifold interdependencies and is determined by the metaphor of the net: the exhibition space is no longer an encompassing shell but, together with the content, becomes part of a whole which enables the visitor to discover and experience the exhibit.

The different points of view which are adopted in the exhibit, promote an experience that is individual to every visitor. These, in turn, may provide the starting point for the development of an own attitude regarding current social debate and the divergent opinions on how to develop a sustainable way of life for all.”

The exhibition is representative of the current state of research in the debate around sustainability and is constantly updated with new findings e.g. new studies published. Additional information can be found in the column.

Since its inception the Autostadt, as the Volkswagen Group’s theme park and communications platform, has engaged with themes and values which are fundamental to responsible business practice. Since 2006 themes like environmental protection and social responsibility have been brought together under the heading of sustainable development.

As early as 2003 the nine Autostadt restaurants operated by Mövenpick began exploring the principles of sustainability. A new approach was implemented in which only produce grown according to ecologically sound principles, which are seasonal and regional are used in the preparation of meals. More and more building projects too use environmentally friendly and recyclable materials. In addition various aspects concerning the sustainability debate are used as a starting point and themes for workshops and events.

Having committed itself to this process the Autostadt will look for opportunities in the future of giving the theme of sustainability creative leeway and make it as interesting for visitors as well as staff.