The construction revolution is upon us! But how?
How can we reconcile the construction measures we need to hit the 1.5° target whilst creating attractive living spaces without exploding construction costs?
Prof. Dr. Eike Musall – Creation of living space vs. resource sustainability, the “Heating Act” and municipal heat planning, building resource certificates and circular construction, transformation of existing buildings and moratorium on demolitions, construction material ecology, climate resilience and biodiversity, building class E, low-tech vs. high-tech, solar obligation, (residential) space sufficiency... The list of exciting and important topics associated with the construction revolution could go on and on. And that's a good thing. The construction revolution is coming to life. But what should we as constructors do to build sustainably right now? Many of these issues must first be clarified and reconciled with each other. Are they necessarily mutually exclusive? What obstacles stand in the way? The construction revolution will be exciting.
House Demonstration Unit (HDU) of the MIMO Team – a test building of the Düsseldorf University of Applied Sciences for Sustainable Construction as part of the 2Solar Decathlon Europe and the Living Lab NRW”, photographer Marvin Hillebrand.
The significance of the energy and resource transition
The energy and resource transition is THE challenge facing society as a whole. In this, buildings are playing a key role. In Germany, around a third of the total end energy consumption is dedicated to heating buildings, particularly old buildings, where the renovation rate has stagnated at around 1%. The construction and running of buildings accounts for about 40% of all climate-damaging emissions. In addition, the construction sector is responsible for around 55% of waste generated in Germany, with only 13% of all mineral materials being recycled. Globally, buildings account for 50% of resource consumption and more than 70% of land consumption.
Motivational aspects
In addition to the many aspects of sustainable construction referenced above, here is another list that could put anyone off from even building a house. But what is wanted is the exact opposite. It can only be seen as a driver to tackle the many aspects, to incorporate them into one's own concepts and ideas for buildings and to create a more environmentally friendly and liveable construction environment. But the best news is that we already know now how it works, and that we are familiar with the necessary technologies (such as installable photovoltaics or natural insulation materials), the proper substances and building materials (such as clay, wood, green steel and recycled concrete), and the methods (such as integral planning, circular construction, unmountable joining, parameterised design, and integrated modelling construction). We only have to worry about perceiving these and using them to create a new building culture and new fundamental functions for the buildings.
Training and interdisciplinarity
For this purpose we need well-trained architects, civil engineers, and specialist planners who are also willing to enter into interdisciplinary exchanges and work together to pursue their goals. This is our starting point at the Liveable and Environmentally Friendly Urban Development (In-LUST)and the Peter Behrens School of Arts at the University of Applied Sciences Düsseldorf (HSD). In teaching and research, we bring together all actors involved in interdisciplinary projects concerning urban development and construction into practice-oriented projects, and we also promote the exchange of ideas and findings between professional practice and decision-makers. We call upon the latter to rethink their regulations, create opportunities, and make the aspects referenced at the start viable.
The need for research and innovation
It will require excellent research, innovative (further) education, exchanges of ideas, and constant discussion to ensure the success of the construction revolution, the thriving of building culture, and the enjoyment of creating new living spaces.
Conclusion
If we succeed in optimizing conditions for the construction sector, for example by reducing building standards, shortening approval processes, reducing secondary acquisition costs, enabling the recycling of building materials, establishing sufficiency and promoting redensification, smart planners will be able to embrace the construction revolution in the future and create a new self-image for built-up environments.
Take a look at the MIMO Team of HSD and be inspired by one example of the construction transition…