In July 2010, during former German Chancellor Angela Merkel's visit to China, China's Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation and Germany's Ministry of Economics and Technology signed a memorandum of agreement. The agreement was aimed at supporting the establishment of a "Sino-German Eco-Park" in the Qingdao West Coast New Economic Zone through cooperation between the two governments. The project is designed to enhance and deepen economic cooperation between China and Germany, promote sustainable development in industrial production, achieve energy-efficient buildings, and provide support for the sustainable development of the economy in the future [Link]. The park integrates German elements, focuses on German concepts, adheres to German standards, utilizes German technology, and attracts German enterprises. It has established a specialized ecological index system, implemented 100% green construction and green building practices, and developed green industries. Since its official launch in 2013, the first phase of the park has been essentially completed after years of development.

In recent years, the Sino-German Eco-Park has garnered numerous accolades, including several prestigious honors:

• UN Global Sustainable Cities and Human Settlements Award
• Sino-German Eco-Demonstration City Practice Pilot Zone
• China Habitat Environment Model Award
• National First "Intelligent Manufacturing Lighthouse Park"
• National Economic and Technological Development Zone - Green Development Best Practice Zone
• China Intelligent Park

Meanwhile, the Sino-German Eco-Park has been recognized as an exemplary case by numerous international organizations, the Chinese government, and forums and summits at various levels:

• Best Cases of ESG Zero Carbon Parks for Chinese and European Enterprises
• Advanced Case in C40 Urban Climate's Green and Prosperous Communities Global Guidelines and Case Studies
• China's Top 10 Classic Cases of City-Industry Integration
• Case of High-Quality Development Driven by Ecological and Environmental Protection in Free Trade Zones

Since the inception of the Sino-German Eco-Park, OBERMEYER has been providing a full range of services [Link]. These services include:

• Conceptual planning and urban design as well as traffic optimization for Phase I of the Sino-German Eco-Park, as well as detailed urban design for the start-up area.
• Landscape and ecological specialized planning for Phase I of the Sino-German Eco-Park.
• Interior design and landscape design for the German Enterprise Center - the office complex of the Sino-German Eco-Park Management Committee within the start-up area of Phase I.
• Conceptual planning, urban design, traffic optimization, and detailed urban design for the start-up area of Phase II of the Sino-German Eco-Park.

All design efforts revolve around three core themes: ecology, low carbon, and harmony. By taking into account the park's geographical location, resource endowment, industrial objectives, and strategic positioning, these designs aim to help the park evolve into a high-end ecological demonstration zone, a pioneer area for technological innovation, a hub for high-end industries, and a harmonious, livable new urban district.

The C2 cluster has been awarded the DGNB Gold Certification for Sustainable Development for its outstanding planning and design [Link]. Among them, The German Enterprise Center, comprising seven buildings, is the first project in China to receive both the German DGNB Platinum Certification and China's Three-Star Green Building Certification. It is also the largest DGNB Gold Certified Building Complex in the world and the first DGNB Gold Certified Building Complex to be completed in Asia. Additionally, it has been awarded the Luban Prize, the highest award for engineering quality in China's construction industry, which is a perfect embodiment of the integration of the highest standards in the Chinese and German construction fields.

Following the successful completion of the planning and design for Phase I of the Eco-Park, OBERMEYER has continued to take on the planning and design responsibilities for Phase II. Phase II will further advance the integrated development model of "Industry-Research-Habitat" within the Eco-Park, aiming to create a multifunctional complex that integrates intelligent innovation cooperation, health and leisure activities, trade facilitation services, and other diverse functions.

The exceptional performance of the Sino-German Eco-Park across all areas has earned it high praise from the governments of China and Germany at all levels. It is celebrated as "a lighthouse project in the ecological field between the Chinese and German governments and a model of Sino-German bilateral cooperation parks." The Eco-Park has successfully evolved into a comprehensive eco-city, exemplifying ecological livability, seamless integration of industry and urban development, and the demonstration of green and sustainable practices.