Future-Proof Building: Your Guide to Sustainable Materials in Construction and Increasing Value
Are you facing a construction or renovation decision and wondering how to act sustainably both ecologically and economically for the future? Sustainable materials in construction are not just a trend but a necessity that significantly influences the value of your property. Discover how the right choice of materials can benefit you in the long term.
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The topic briefly and concisely
Sustainable materials in construction are crucial for achieving climate targets and securing the long-term value of real estate, as the building sector is responsible for approximately 35% of the EU's greenhouse gas emissions.
Although the initial costs of eco-friendly building materials can be 2-10% higher, they often pay off through energy savings, subsidies, and the higher value stability of the property.
Certificates such as DGNB, BNB, or the QNG label, as well as Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), assist in the selection of certified sustainable building materials and are often prerequisites for grants.
The construction sector is facing a paradigm shift. In light of climate goals – Germany aims to achieve climate neutrality by 2045 – and increasing resource scarcity, sustainable materials in construction are rapidly gaining importance. For property owners and investors, this represents an opportunity: those who invest in ecological building materials today are investing not only in the environment but also in the future viability and value of their property. This article shows you how to make the right decisions, benefit from funding opportunities, and avoid common pitfalls. A well-founded Auctoa assessment can help you accurately assess the potential of your property in the context of sustainable measures.
The new building reality: Why sustainability is becoming indispensable
The building sector is responsible for around 35% of greenhouse gas emissions in the EU. The EU Construction Products Regulation (EU) No. 305/2011 already calls for the sustainable use of natural resources. [2] From January 2025, the revised EU Construction Products Regulation will come into force, further strengthening environmental aspects and the circular economy. [5]
This development highlights the need to rethink the entire lifecycle of buildings – from planning through to deconstruction. The consideration of ecological building materials is important for 82 percent of Germans. This makes sustainable construction a crucial factor for the acceptance and market value of properties. Find out more about sustainable construction in urban areas.
Improve eco-balance: Which materials are truly sustainable
The selection of building materials is vast, but not everything that sounds natural is also sustainable. Wood from certified, sustainable forestry (e.g., FSC label) captures CO₂ – domestic varieties such as spruce or pine often have a better environmental footprint. Clay, a building material proven over thousands of years, excellently regulates indoor climate and requires little energy in production.
Other promising options include:
Recycled concrete: Uses processed demolition waste and reduces the demand for primary raw materials by up to 30%.
Bricks made from clay or sand-lime: Durable and easily recyclable when sorted by type. Modern manufacturing methods reduce energy consumption.
Natural insulation materials: Hemp (fire protection class B1), cellulose, wood fibre, or sheep's wool often offer a better CO₂ balance than conventional insulation materials. However, their market share is currently only about 7%.
Innovative materials: Mycelium, derived from fungal threads, shows great potential as an insulation material.
Pay attention to short transport routes and energy-efficient processing of materials. An environmentally friendly construction method starts with the right choice of materials. Considering the embodied energy, that is, the energy for production, transport, and disposal, is crucial.
Cost factor sustainability: Is the investment worthwhile?
The acquisition costs for sustainable building materials can be on average 2% to 10% higher than for conventional materials. However, these initial additional investments should be viewed in a differentiated manner. In the long term, they can pay off through lower operating costs, such as for heating and cooling.
Another aspect is the value stability and improved marketability of sustainably built or renovated properties. Buildings with good energy balances and ecological materials often achieve higher resale values. Additionally, there are attractive funding programmes like the Federal Funding for Efficient Buildings (BEG) or loans from the KfW bank, which reduce the financial burden. A precise calculation, which our ImmoGPT-Chat can also support, is essential here.
Certificates and Standards: Navigating the Label Jungle
To evaluate the sustainability of building materials and constructions, there are numerous certificates and standards available. Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) according to DIN EN 15804 provide transparent information about a product's environmental impact throughout its entire life cycle. The ÖKOBAUDAT of the Federal Institute for Research on Building, Urban Affairs and Spatial Development (BBSR) offers a central database with over 1,400 datasets for this purpose.
Important building seals in Germany include:
DGNB Certificate (German Sustainable Building Council): Evaluates ecological, economic, and socio-cultural aspects.
BNB Seal (Sustainable Building Rating System): Primarily for public buildings, considers the entire life cycle.
Sustainability Building Quality Seal (QNG): A government seal, often a prerequisite for KfW funding.
The Blue Angel: Marks environmentally-friendly products and services, also in the building sector.
These seals provide reliable guidance and can significantly ease decision-making. Also, learn about green funding, which is often linked to such certifications.
Circular economy in focus: Conserving resources through recycling and reuse
The construction sector in Germany is responsible for around 55% of all waste generated. Approximately 517 million tonnes of mineral resources are used annually. Therefore, transforming towards a true circular economy is a key lever for more sustainability. This means designing buildings as resource depots for the future right from the planning stage.
Recyclable building materials and a systematic segregation during demolition are crucial. For instance, up to 69% of mineral construction waste can be processed into recycled building materials. [3] The EU Renovation Wave aims to double the current annual renovation rate of just 1% by 2030, with resource efficiency playing a key role. Sustainable renovation of old buildings is often more resource-efficient than new construction.
Increasing energy efficiency: The role of sustainable materials in insulation and operation
Sustainable materials significantly contribute to the energy efficiency of buildings. Good insulation using ecological materials such as wood fibre, cellulose, or hemp can considerably reduce heating and cooling requirements. This not only lowers operating costs by up to 20-30% annually but also improves indoor climate and living health. [4,5]
The choice of windows and roofing materials also impacts the energy balance. Triple-glazed windows and well-insulated frames are now standard. In terms of roofing materials, concrete tiles can have a better ecological footprint than clay tiles, and slate roofs impress with a lifespan of up to 100 years. The combination of sustainable building materials and energy efficiency measures is the key to a future-proof building.
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The legal requirements for construction are being continually tightened. The EU Building Directive (EPBD) and the German Building Energy Act (GEG) set clear targets for energy efficiency and the use of renewable energies. From 2025, the new EU Construction Products Regulation will focus even more on sustainability and digital product passports, which provide information about origin and environmental properties. [5]
For owners, this means addressing the requirements early to avoid poor investments. Non-compliance can lead to depreciation or expensive retrofit obligations. An environmental report can provide clarity here. The EU Taxonomy Regulation also defines which economic activities are considered environmentally sustainable, increasingly influencing financing decisions.
Conclusion: Sustainable materials as a win-win situation for the environment and property value
What is meant by sustainable materials in construction?
Sustainable materials in construction are building materials that have minimal impact on the environment and health throughout their entire lifecycle—from extraction and use to disposal or recycling. Criteria include resource conservation, energy efficiency in production and use, longevity, recyclability, and absence of harmful substances.
How can I identify sustainable building materials?
Look for recognised seals and certificates such as the Blue Angel, the FSC label for wood, Natureplus, or Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs). These provide information on the origin, ingredients, and environmental properties of the materials.
What role does embodied energy play in sustainable building materials?
Embodied energy is the amount of energy required for the manufacture, transport, storage, processing, and disposal of a building material. Sustainable building materials are characterised by a low embodied energy balance, meaning comparatively little energy is needed throughout their lifecycle.
Is it worthwhile using sustainable building materials in refurbishment?
Yes, definitely. Particularly in refurbishments, sustainable insulation materials can significantly reduce energy consumption. Moreover, the use of low-emission materials improves indoor climate and increases the property's value. There are special funding opportunities for sustainable refurbishments.
How can Auctoa support me with sustainable materials?
Auctoa can assist you with a comprehensive property valuation to determine your property's current value and highlight potential value increases through sustainable construction measures. Our ImmoGPT chat can also answer initial questions about costs and benefits.
What influence does the EU have on sustainable construction?
The EU promotes sustainable construction through various initiatives, including the Green Deal, the Construction Products Regulation, the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), and the Renovation Wave. The aim is to make the building sector climate-neutral by 2050 and to increase resource efficiency.
Additional useful links
Deutsche Energie-Agentur (dena) offers a comprehensive study on sustainable building and renovation, providing important insights and data.
Deutsche Umwelthilfe provides information on the significance and implementation of the circular economy in the construction sector.
Kreislaufwirtschaft Bau is an initiative dedicated to promoting the circular economy in construction, offering relevant information.
WWF explains the role of buildings in the circular economy and highlights ways to achieve more sustainable business practices.
IGES Institut presents a study on the added value of real estate through energy-efficient renovation measures.
Umweltbundesamt provides comprehensive information and publications on sustainable building from an official perspective.
Statistisches Bundesamt (Destatis) provides official statistics and data on Germany's construction sector.
KfW provides information on funding programs for individuals in the area of climate-friendly new construction.
FAQ
What is meant by sustainable materials in construction?
Sustainable materials in construction are building materials that have minimal impact on the environment and health throughout their entire lifecycle—from extraction to use and disposal or recycling. Criteria include resource conservation, energy efficiency in production and use, longevity, recyclability, and freedom from harmful substances.
How do I identify sustainable building materials?
Look for recognised labels and certifications such as the Blue Angel, the FSC label for wood, Natureplus, or Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs). These provide information about the origin, ingredients, and environmental properties of the materials.
What role does grey energy play in sustainable building materials?
Grey energy is the amount of energy required for the production, transport, storage, processing, and disposal of a building material. Sustainable building materials are characterised by a low grey energy balance, which means that comparatively little energy is needed throughout their entire lifecycle.
Is it worth using sustainable building materials even for a renovation?
Yes, definitely. Especially in renovations, sustainable insulation materials can significantly reduce energy consumption. Additionally, the use of low-emission materials improves indoor air quality and increases the property's value. There are special <a href="/blog/nachhaltige-altbausanierung">grants for sustainable renovations</a>.
How can Auctoa support me in the area of sustainable materials?
Auctoa can assist you with a comprehensive property valuation to determine the current value of your property and highlight the potential for value enhancements through sustainable construction measures. Our ImmoGPT chat can also address initial questions about costs and benefits.
What impact does the EU have on sustainable building?
The EU is advancing sustainable construction through various initiatives, including the Green Deal, the Construction Products Regulation, the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), and the Renovation Wave. The goal is to make the building sector climate-neutral by 2050 and to increase resource efficiency. [9,5]
