Property Valuation
Location Analysis
Sustainable construction in urban areas
Rising energy costs and stringent EU regulations present new challenges for urban real estate. Sustainable construction is not only a response to climate change but a crucial lever for the future viability and profitability of your property. Discover how to secure and enhance the value of your property in the long term with the right strategies.
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Sustainable building increases property value through lower operating costs, higher tenant demand, and better financing conditions.
Government incentives (e.g., through the QNG seal) and the EU taxonomy create strong financial incentives for sustainable construction and renovation projects.
A lifecycle analysis and the choice of durable, recyclable materials are crucial for the long-term economic viability of an urban property.
Wondering how your urban real estate assets will remain profitable even in 20 years? With the aim to achieve a climate-neutral building stock by 2045, the answer is clear: through sustainable construction. This approach is no longer a niche but a critical economic factor. It reduces operating costs, increases attractiveness for tenants and buyers, and minimizes regulatory risks. For owners and investors, this means a double return – for the environment and for their own portfolio. This article reveals the crucial levers.
Economic Pressure: Buildings account for approximately 40% of energy consumption and 36% of greenhouse gas emissions in the EU.
Clear Political Goals: Germany aims for a climate-neutral building stock by 2045, making renovations and sustainable new constructions indispensable.
High Market Acceptance: 87% of construction companies report that customer demand is a driving force for sustainability.
Measurable Efficiency: Companies focusing on sustainability report up to a 62% improvement in energy efficiency.
Growing Urbanisation: By 2050, 68% of the global population will live in cities, further increasing the pressure on sustainable solutions in urban areas.
The days when sustainable construction was considered an expensive ideal are over. Today, it is a strategic necessity that directly affects the value of your property. Renovation or resource-efficient new construction can reduce a building's energy consumption by almost half. This is directly reflected in lower service charges – a benefit that drives demand among tenants and buyers by up to 87%. Investing in sustainability is therefore a direct investment in long-term rentability and resale value. However, 40% of companies cite a lack of financial resources as the main obstacle. This is precisely where data-driven assessment comes in, to accurately determine the cost-benefit potential. A sound inner-city site development begins with analysing these potentials. Focusing on sustainability is not only idealistic, but also ensures the economic viability of your project for the coming decades.
Die Politik schafft klare Rahmenbedingungen, die Eigentümer kennen und für sich nutzen sollten. The EU Taxonomy Regulation already establishes standards for the financial sector. To qualify as a sustainable investment, the primary energy demand of a new building must be at least 10% below the national threshold for nearly zero-energy buildings. Ignoring these criteria risks a poorer rating and reduced access to financing. At the same time, the government rewards proactive action. In Germany, the "Qualitätssiegel Nachhaltiges Gebäude" (QNG) is the entry ticket to the attractive federal funding programmes (BEG/KFN). These subsidies can significantly reduce the initial additional costs and shorten the payback period. A professional analysis helps you understand the requirements and take the right measures. Knowledge of the applicable building law in urban areas is the foundation for any successful planning.
The choice of the right materials has far-reaching consequences for costs, durability, and indoor climate. The EU Construction Products Regulation explicitly requires recyclability, durability, and the use of environmentally friendly raw materials. Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) provide guidance here, transparentizing the life cycle assessment of a building material over its entire life cycle based on the DIN EN 15804 standard. The public database ÖKOBAUDAT provides this data for over 1,400 products. The following aspects are crucial:
Life Cycle Costs: Long-lasting and low-maintenance materials reduce operating costs over decades.
Circular Economy: Materials that can be recycled or reused at the end of their life cycle are gaining importance. 43% of construction companies see great opportunities here.
Health and Comfort: Low-emission building materials improve indoor air quality and enhance user well-being – an often underestimated rental argument.
Regional Availability: Short transport routes reduce the CO₂ footprint and costs.
A well-thought-out selection of sustainable materials in construction is therefore not a luxury, but a smart commercial decision.
The greatest leverage for a sustainable transformation of the building sector lies in existing buildings. An energy renovation is often the most economical and resource-friendly option. Particularly with older buildings, targeted energy efficiency measures can achieve enormous savings. The EU aims to double the annual renovation rate, as currently only 1% of the stock is modernised energetically each year. For owners, this means: those who act now benefit from grants and increase the value of their property before stricter legal requirements come into force. A sustainable renovation of older buildings protects against loss of value and prepares your property for the future. Unsure where to start? An AI-supported analysis like our ImmoGPT can provide an initial, data-based assessment of the potential and necessary steps. This way, you can turn an old property into a future-proof investment.
Sustainable building in urban areas goes beyond insulation and heating technology. Intelligent concepts for rainwater management, such as the 'sponge city' concept, reduce the strain on the sewer system and improve the microclimate. Green roofs and facades not only look good but also act as natural air conditioners and reduce the urban heat island effect. These measures significantly enhance quality of life and thus the attractiveness of a property. Although the benefits are proven, in 2022, over 99 percent of infrastructure expenditure still went into traditional 'grey' infrastructure. This presents an opportunity for forward-thinking investors to stand out in the market and create real added value. A well-considered green roof and facade design is a visible sign of a modern and responsible real estate concept.
Sustainable building in urban areas is the consistent combination of ecological responsibility and economic wisdom. The political and social groundwork has been laid: Efficiency, resource conservation, and climate neutrality will significantly define the value of real estate in the coming years. For you as an owner, heir, or investor, it is crucial to know the potential of your properties precisely. A neutral, data-driven evaluation is the first step to making informed decisions and avoiding poor investments. Take advantage of available funding and technologies to ensure the future viability of your property. Don't wait until the market forces you to act—take an active role in shaping the value development of your real estate.
Statista offers detailed statistics on revenue from energy efficiency improvement measures in buildings in Germany.
The Umweltbundesamt provides a comprehensive report on sustainable building.
The dena (Deutsche Energie-Agentur) offers a study on sustainable building and renovation.
The KfW provides a study on building and energy efficiency.
The Bundesverband für energieeffiziente Gebäude e.V. (buveg) presents a study on the higher market prices of energy-efficient properties.
The Informationsportal Nachhaltiges Bauen (INaB) offers comprehensive information on the topic of sustainable building.
The Bewertungssystem Nachhaltiges Bauen (BNB) provides information about the state certification system for sustainable buildings.
How can I take the first step towards sustainable renovation of my property?
The best first step is a neutral and comprehensive assessment of the current state and potentials of your property. Tools like the Auctoa ImmoGPT chat can provide an initial orientation. For a detailed strategy, a professional, data-driven property evaluation that highlights renovation options and their economic viability is recommended.
What role does digitalisation play in sustainable construction?
A crucial one. Technologies like Building Information Modeling (BIM) enable precise planning that reduces material waste. Smart building technology optimises energy consumption during operation. Digital platforms like ÖKOBAUDAT create transparency in material selection.
Are renewable resources like wood always the best choice?
Wood is an excellent, CO₂-storing building material, but it's not the only sustainable solution for every purpose. A holistic approach (life cycle analysis) is essential, taking into account transport routes, durability, and recyclability of other materials such as recycled concrete or innovative insulation materials.
How do I find the right funding programmes for my project?
The funding landscape is complex. A good starting point is the 'Federal Funding for Efficient Buildings (BEG)'. Energy consultants or specialised architects can provide targeted advice on suitable programmes from KfW and BAFA. Certification such as the QNG seal is often a prerequisite.
What does the term 'embodied energy' mean?
Embodied energy refers to the total amount of energy required for the production, transport, and disposal of a building material. A sustainable building is characterised not only by low operational energy demand but also by low embodied energy in its components.
How does sustainability affect the resale value of my property?
Significantly. A certified sustainable building with low energy costs demonstrably achieves higher sale prices. Buyers are increasingly willing to pay more for future-proof properties, as they offer lower running costs and reduced risk of future renovation obligations.
