Constructing differently – to save resources and protect the climate

The Interdisciplinary Research Group addresses the obstacles to sustainable and climate-friendly construction.

The construction industry accounts for a very large share of global resource consumption, energy consumption, waste generation and CO2 emissions. This share is so devastatingly large that a change of direction is needed immediately. The ways and measures are also known: There are new technologies and building materials that lead to a reduction of the CO2 footprint. New buildings, but also infrastructure structures, should also be planned holistically according to the aspects of sustainability. Additionally, a reversal toward maintenance and further development of the building stock is necessary. In fact, however, relatively little is happening.

The objective of this Interdisciplinary Research Group is to identify the hindrances that stand in the way of a positive development, to analyze them, to develop countermeasures and strategies, and to formulate appropriate recommendations. These hindrances are discussed based on five specific topics: new technologies – change and innovation; economic organization – economic aspects; governmental regulations – regulatory aspects; behavior of groups and individuals – social participation issues; communication with the public and politics.