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Sustainable materials in construction
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Sustainable materials in construction are crucial to reducing the ecological footprint and addressing resource scarcity. Prioritising Brownfield development is an important step.
The sustainability of commercial areas depends on the creation of attractive working environments, the promotion of networks, and the implementation of sustainable mobility concepts. This can reduce the vacancy rate by up to 3%.
Municipalities and companies should rely on proactive land-use policies, the use of renewable energies, and the integration of smart building technologies to strengthen the regional economy and increase property values.
The construction industry is facing a paradigm shift. In light of increasing resource scarcity and growing awareness of the ecological footprint of buildings, the topic of sustainable materials in construction is gaining more and more attention. This article shows you how using innovative building materials can not only protect the environment but also reduce your costs and increase the value of your properties. We explore the necessity of sustainable building practices and provide a comprehensive overview of the criteria for sustainability in construction.
A central aspect is the prioritisation of Brownfield development over the expansion of new construction areas. This conserves resources and reduces ecological impacts. Additionally, it is essential to utilise the often hidden land potential in existing commercial areas rather than developing new sites. The use of existing commercial spaces is a crucial step toward reducing land consumption.
Sustainable materials are a key factor in this. They are characterised by low environmental impact throughout their entire life cycle, from production and use to disposal. This includes, for example, the use of recycled building materials, renewable resources, and materials with low energy consumption during production. The right choice of materials can make a substantial contribution to the sustainability of a construction project.
Many commercial areas exhibit structural deficits that could jeopardise their long-term viability. To counteract so-called trading-down processes, proactive measures are necessary to adapt to changing needs. This includes creating attractive working environments that meet employees' increasing demands for work-life balance and social infrastructure. The IHK Mittlerer Niederrhein offers a guide to the future sustainability of commercial areas.
Effective networks and cooperation play a crucial role in the sustainability of commercial areas. By promoting communication and exchange between companies, stakeholders can actively participate in improving the area. This enhances innovation and ensures long-term competitiveness. Therefore, fostering networks is an important building block for the development of sustainable commercial areas.
Increased attention from administration, local politics, and businesses is essential to address the challenges in commercial areas. It's important to highlight the opportunities offered by existing areas in public discussions and to take proactive planning and development measures. Active involvement from all stakeholders is critical to success.
The attractiveness for employees is a crucial factor for the sustainability of commercial areas. This involves not only creating attractive jobs but also providing social infrastructure such as childcare and supply services. Improving urban qualities with areas for lingering and breaks also contributes to enhanced attractiveness. Optimal transport connections are another important aspect.
A well-thought-out transport connection is essential for the functionality of industrial estates. Both the external connection to the motorway network and the internal access through a well-developed road network for cars and lorries are of importance. Innovative solutions such as parking decks and shared parking decks can help solve parking shortages. The IHK emphasises the importance of comprehensive transport connectivity.
Sustainable transport formats are becoming increasingly important. The integration of electromobility through charging stations, car-sharing and bike-sharing options, as well as improving the public transport connections and the cycle and pedestrian network, are important steps in reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainable mobility. The promotion of alternative mobility concepts is a key component for the development of future-proof industrial estates.
The implementation of well-considered parking space concepts is crucial to reduce parking pressure in industrial areas while ensuring accessibility. This can be achieved through the use of intelligent parking guidance systems, the promotion of carpooling, and creating incentives for the use of public transport. Optimising parking space management is an important aspect of land management.
Promoting cycling by expanding cycle paths and creating secure parking facilities for bicycles can make a significant contribution to reducing car traffic. Also, creating attractive footpaths and improving the quality of public spaces can encourage more people to forego using cars. Promoting the environmental association is an important component for sustainable transport development.
Land availability is a crucial factor for the development of commercial areas. To optimally utilise land potential, strategies must be developed to activate private land and consider ownership structures. The consideration of land plots, vacant spaces, and contaminated sites also plays an important role. The IHK emphasises the necessity of active land management.
The use competition between commercial and residential uses carries potential for conflict. To ensure orderly development, it is important to manage this conflict potential and create a balanced usage structure. The regulation of large-scale retailing is also significant to ensure that sufficient areas are available for manufacturing businesses. The management of land use is a key element in sustainable development.
Active land management involves the systematic recording, assessment, and management of land resources. The aim is to use areas efficiently, avoid vacancies and promote sustainable development. This can be achieved through the use of land management systems, carrying out potential analyses, and developing usage concepts. Optimising land use is an important contribution to sustainability.
The revitalisation of brownfields is an important aspect of land management. Through the redevelopment and reuse of brownfields, valuable land resources can be made usable again and the expansion of new construction areas can be avoided. This conserves resources and reduces environmental impact. The revitalisation of brownfields is a key building block for sustainable land development.
The provision of social infrastructure such as childcare and supply services is an important factor for the attractiveness of commercial areas. This facilitates the compatibility of family and work life and contributes to improving employees' quality of life. The IHK emphasises the importance of good social infrastructure.
Furthermore, urban planning qualities play a significant role. Creating rest and break areas, designing public spaces, and eliminating vacant properties contribute to enhancing attractiveness and improving the image of commercial areas. Designing appealing working environments is a crucial component for future viability.
An unorganised appearance and image deficits can impair the attractiveness of commercial areas. To counter this, it is important to eliminate disordered business premises, improve the design of public spaces, and address vacancies and deficiencies in signage. Improving the appearance is a key contribution to boosting attractiveness.
The creation of green spaces and recreational opportunities within commercial areas can also contribute to enhancing quality of life. This can be achieved by establishing parks, creating sports and playgrounds, or integrating green areas into buildings. Creating attractive recreational options is an essential building block for a liveable work environment.
Roof and facade greening are an effective way to reduce the environmental impact of commercial buildings while enhancing the quality of the environment. They help to cool the buildings, reduce rainwater runoff, and offer habitats for plants and animals. The IHK recommends promoting roof and facade greening.
The de-sealing of surfaces and the use of renewable energies are further important measures to reduce the environmental impact of commercial buildings. By de-sealing surfaces, the natural water balance can be restored and the infiltration of rainwater can be encouraged. The use of renewable energies, such as solar thermal energy, photovoltaics and geothermal energy, contributes to the reduction of CO2 emissions. The promotion of renewable energies is an important component for sustainable development.
Active land management is also important for commercial buildings. This includes the optimisation of land use, avoiding vacancies, and promoting sustainable construction. By employing energy-efficient technologies, using recycled building materials, and considering ecological aspects in the planning and construction of commercial buildings, a significant contribution to sustainability can be made. Optimising land use is an important contribution to sustainability.
The integration of smart building technologies can also contribute to enhancing the sustainability of commercial buildings. By using intelligent control systems for heating, cooling, lighting, and ventilation, energy consumption can be optimised and CO2 emissions reduced. The use of sensors to monitor energy consumption and identify inefficiencies can also make a significant contribution to sustainability. The integration of smart building technologies is an important component for sustainable development.
The Innovationsregion Mitteldeutschland (IRMD) features a dualistic economic structure, with Leipzig and Halle driving growth, while surrounding districts struggle with demographic and employment challenges. This necessitates differentiated business location strategies tailored to both urban and rural contexts. The IRMD potential study analyses the regional differences.
While services dominate in urban centres, districts are heavily reliant on industry and commercial area-dependent economic sectors. Development strategies must prioritise sectors with growth potential in each region, including manufacturing and transportation and warehousing. Promoting regional economic cycles is a key component of sustainable development.
The demand for commercial space is primarily driven by SMEs within a 30km radius, highlighting local economic development. Logistics and large-scale retail generate supraregional demand, necessitating strategic motorway connections. Optimising location factors is crucial for attractiveness.
Considering the impact of coal phase-out is also important. To compensate for value-added losses, more jobs must be created in other sectors. The qualitative condition of areas affected by the coal phase-out, including the remediation of contaminated sites, is of particular importance. The transformation of industrial wasteland makes a significant contribution to regional economic development.
A needs-based land development is crucial, including taking into account endogenous and supra-regional demand. Multi-year planning processes can be restrictive; proactive location policies are essential. The IRMD study highlights the necessity of strategic land policy.
Enhanced inter-municipal cooperation for land development is particularly important for regionally significant locations. This can address land shortages and expand financial and personnel flexibility. Promoting collaboration is a key element for successful land development.
The implementation of a uniform commercial land monitoring system for the entire IRMD is important to increase market transparency and enable more targeted planning. Improving the data basis is a significant contribution to the efficiency of land development.
The differentiation of site suitability is another important aspect. Land development should be tailored to specific user groups, including industry and production, crafts and trades, logistics, as well as knowledge and technology-oriented businesses. The specific needs of each group should be considered in location profiles. Targeted land development makes a significant contribution to regional economic development.
Sustainable materials in construction are not only an ecological necessity but also an economic advantage. By using innovative building materials and forward-thinking strategies, you can reduce costs, protect the environment, and simultaneously increase the value of your properties. The IHK offers valuable information and recommendations for action.
Future developments will be shaped by innovations in sustainable materials and construction methods. New technologies such as 3D printing with recycled materials, the development of bio-based building materials, and the integration of smart building technologies will revolutionise the construction industry. Early engagement with these trends is crucial to remain competitive.
Local authorities and businesses are presented with a variety of recommendations for action. Local authorities should pursue a proactive land policy, promote inter-municipal cooperation, and implement uniform commercial land monitoring. Companies should focus on sustainable materials and construction methods, increase their appeal to employees, and strengthen the regional economy. Actively shaping the future is the key to success.
Key Benefits of Nachhaltige Materialien
Here are some of the key benefits you'll gain:
Cost reduction: By using recycled materials and energy-efficient technologies, you can lower your construction costs.
Environmental protection: Sustainable materials conserve resources and reduce CO2 emissions.
Value enhancement: Sustainable buildings are more attractive to tenants and buyers and achieve higher prices.
Do you want to learn more about how to successfully use sustainable materials in construction? Our experts at Auctoa are happy to assist you in assessing your properties and sites. Discover our services and benefit from our expertise. Contact us today to start your personalised consultation and increase the value of your property. Visit our contact page!
The IHK Mittlerer Niederrhein provides a guide to the sustainability of commercial areas.
The IRMD's potential study analyses the regional differences in the Central Germany innovation region.
What are the key criteria for sustainable materials in construction?
The key criteria include low environmental impact throughout the lifecycle, the use of recycled building materials or renewable resources, and low energy consumption during production.
How do sustainable materials contribute to the future viability of commercial areas?
Sustainable materials help to reduce the ecological footprint, lower operating costs, and increase the appeal for tenants and investors who value sustainability.
What role does brownfield development play in the use of sustainable materials?
Prioritizing brownfield development over new developments conserves resources and reduces environmental impacts. Additionally, the redevelopment of brownfield sites can involve recycled building materials.
How can businesses enhance the attractiveness of commercial areas for employees?
By creating attractive work environments with social infrastructure (e.g., childcare), green spaces, and sustainable buildings that meet the growing demands for work-life balance.
What are the benefits of using green roofs and façades?
Green roofs and façades reduce environmental impact, improve quality of life, cool buildings, reduce rainwater runoff, and provide habitats for plants and animals.
How can municipalities promote sustainable land-use policies?
Through proactive land-use policies that promote inter-municipal cooperation, implement uniform commercial site monitoring, and support the revitalisation of brownfield sites.
What role does digitalisation play in the use of sustainable materials?
The integration of smart building technologies can optimise energy consumption, reduce CO2 emissions, and increase the efficiency of building use.
How does Auctoa assist in assessing properties for sustainability?
Auctoa provides precise, certified, and market-oriented valuations of properties and sites considering sustainability aspects, to offer investors and owners a solid basis for decision-making.