In a big city, good environmental conditions are an important prerequisite for a high quality of life. Over recent years, many new companies have been founded which are working on the development and application of modern, innovative processes in environmental protection and which benefit from the scientific expertise of the universities and private research institutions. The cooperation of science and industry has led to ecological and economic success.

One of the main burdens on the environment stems from road transport. The federal state of Berlin therefore subsidises the use of environment-friendly natural gas as a fuel.

A cooperation contract has been agreed with the electricity supply company Bewag to promote new energy generating technology, especially solar energy. The construction of solar energy installations is financially subsidised via the solar power market. In the new buildings, including the new national government buildings in Berlin, the necessary energy is increasingly generated with solar energy. Apart from the significant improvement in the air quality arising from the reduction of CO2 emissions, the use of innovative energy production technology also creates new jobs.

The general environmental alliance between the business sector and the federal state of Berlin is encouraging a new culture of cooperation. Companies which demonstrably improve their internal environmental record are exempted from the statutory inspection and reporting obligations. Thus, in spite of the continual improvement in environmental standards, the companies are freed from extra costs and the public authorities are freed from time-consuming inspections.

Besides reducing the burden on the environment, the rural areas in Berlin need to be systematically preserved and improved. The number and variety of local recreation areas is unique among the metropolitan cities of Europe. This particularly includes the numerous green spaces that are dotted across the urban area. Everybody in Berlin is within easy reach of a green recreation area. Numerous lakes and woods in and around Berlin are ideal for hiking, fishing and bathing.

A further characteristic feature of the quality of life in Berlin is water. Berlin is the only large city in Germany which can meet the drinking water needs of the population from its own groundwater.