WHERE CAN I GET INVOLVED IN CONSTRUCTION?
The construction and housing sector plays a major role in all of these projects. Probably the most obvious lever for greater sustainability in the construction sector is the efficient use of resources. How climate-friendly a raw material is depends, among other things, on how COâ''-intensive its extraction or production is and whether long transport routes are required for its delivery. Other important factors include how durable it is, whether it can be recycled or reused and how costly its final disposal is. The most important factor in sustainability is foresight: all the processes involved in a construction and utilisation process must be considered as far into the future as possible. For example, wood binds a large amount of COâ'', but partially releases it again when it is burnt during disposal. The longer raw materials can be used and reused, the more sustainable they are.
Taking wood as an example, it quickly becomes clear how challenging the implementation of sustainable construction projects can be in a globalised world. As a renewable, carbon-binding raw material, wood is one of the more climate-friendly resources and is often used in green building projects.
Raw material efficiency is only one aspect of sustainable construction; after all, the main aim is to leave a suitable living space for future generations. Foresight is therefore required in every facet of construction planning. The average age of the population continues to rise. Sustainability can also mean designing buildings that are easy to adapt to the needs of older people. In addition, climate change is exacerbating weather conditions worldwide; what is energy-efficient according to today's weather conditions may cause problems in a few decades' time. And the epidemics (Covid-19, Corona & Co...) have also revealed new perspectives. While there was already a trend in the past towards designing resource-saving communal areas, these now need to be rethought in terms of aspects such as air filtration if they are to be seriously sustainable. After all, sustainability is not just about considering heat loss and insulation materials, water savings and supply chains. The focus must be on how we humans will live and interact in the future. Foresight in construction planning therefore means above all adaptability: building concepts should be able to be adapted to a variety of circumstances without great effort. They should also fit in sensibly with their surroundings and create synergies with other buildings and neighbouring infrastructure.
SUSTAINABILITY CRITERIA ARE...?
Housing consumes a lot of energy. If you reduce the energy consumption of your property, you can cut costs and reduce your dependence on external energy supplies. The potential is particularly great for older properties. The sustainable mortgage from acrevis with a 0.5 % interest rate advantage helps you to realise this plan.
Sustainability means not consuming more of something than can grow back naturally. Over the years, the definition of the term has been expanded more and more.
Today, this means satisfying needs while ensuring that future generations can also take advantage of this opportunity. This guiding principle is manifested in the three dimensions of sustainability: the ecological, economic and social dimensions. Sustainability can therefore be understood as the intersection of these 3 dimensions. If sustainability is applied to the construction industry, it refers to a comprehensive process that covers the entire life cycle of the building, from the preparation of the raw materials through to dismantling. Criteria can be assigned to each of the 3 dimensions of sustainability, defining a property as sustainable. An example of this would be energy efficiency.
What significance do sustainability criteria have in investors' property purchase decisions and what effects do they hope to achieve?While some take sustainability criteria into account due to idealistic values, others merely endeavour to fulfil legal requirements. The tangible advantage is the reduction in operating costs, which in turn has a positive effect on net rents from the landlord's point of view, as institutional investors and flat users always consider the total cost per square metre. Everyone is also trying to do their bit to improve the climate situation.
Sustainability is already seen as an unavoidable criterion in the near future and it is assumed that properties that barely fulfil sustainability criteria will no longer be marketable in the future, source IBBW.
WHICH BUILDING MEASURES ARE SUPPORTED?
A building that lasts a long time is built the right way. Thermal insulation, climate-friendly heating systems, solar energy, photovoltaic systems, heat recovery, solar heat, high-quality green roofs and much more. Note: The award of the interest advantage is not dependent on a GEAK or Minergie certificate.
Prospective buyers, investors, banks and asset managers are increasingly reliant on ratings, a good database and ESG standards. Sustainable approaches and solutions are all the rage. The real estate industry is no exception to this trend - as the sector is one of the main CO2-issuers. Accordingly, the public, investors and politicians are demanding adjustments to the business models of property companies.
Minimising energy and resource consumption, reducing land use and protecting nature throughout the entire life cycle of a building. Sustainable construction encompasses all areas from the choice of site, architecture and energy, water and material efficiency, operation, maintenance and waste avoidance through to resource-efficient operation and finally deconstruction after a useful life of around 100 years. However, sustainable does not just mean eco. Because "green buildings" are "smart": In green intelligent buildings, environmentally friendly and automated high-tech ensures the efficient use of energy and resources as well as a pleasant atmosphere with a high quality of life and productivity. Formerly normal - today a decision for the future.
This development poses significant challenges for the industry. The biggest hurdle is the implementation of regulatory requirements. However, data management for increased transparency in terms of sustainability is also a challenge for the real estate sector, as is the task of linking sustainability with other areas of the company. Sustainable solutions increase the value of a building in the long term. We at WENET AG are familiar with the current guidelines and requirements. We are happy to advise you on how to realise your projects efficiently, climate-friendly and with reliable planning. So you benefit twice over: ecologically and economically.
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