Reinforcing Steel for Lebenshilfe Zollernalb Foundation

At its facility located at Fischerstraße 20 in Balingen, Lebenshilfe Zollernalb is creating additional storage space, expanding its carpentry workshop, and developing new areas on the upper floor for printed circuit board assembly and electronics manufacturing. The aim is for people with and without disabilities to work together as equals in this building and shape their future independently.

Considering the environmental impact of a building is important not only when designing its energy concept but also when selecting construction materials. In line with its commitment to sustainability, SÜLZLE is conscious of the need to minimize the carbon footprint of its supply chain. The company exclusively sources reinforcing steel produced via the electric arc furnace (EAF) route, which reduces CO₂ emissions by approximately 70% compared to conventional blast furnace production. In addition, SÜLZLE purchases reinforcing steel from carefully selected suppliers, enabling a further reduction in carbon footprint beyond the standard level achieved through electric steel production.

Regional Collaboration

Local family-owned companies from the Zollernalb region, such as SÜLZLE and Decker, are valuable and natural partners in this endeavor. Clara Decker-Haßdenteufel of the construction company Decker, Heinrich Sülzle of the SÜLZLE Group, and Holger Klein of Lebenshilfe Zollernalb agree that preserving the ecological foundations of life and aligning actions with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the UN Agenda 2030 are essential. Ultimately, sustainability is a prerequisite for both social stability and economic prosperity in the decades to come.

The energy concept for the new extension includes a geothermal heat pump, a rooftop photovoltaic system, and a large solar carport equipped with an additional photovoltaic installation. As a result, climate-related emissions are reduced and offset both during construction and throughout the building’s operation, while the use of fossil fuels is minimized wherever possible. This project demonstrates how social initiatives can be implemented sustainably and strengthened through regional cooperation.

Welcome to the Workshop of the Future!