Value enhancement through foresight: How sustainable construction maximises property value in cities
Rising energy costs and strict EU regulations present new challenges for urban real estate. Sustainable construction is not only a response to climate change but also a crucial lever for the future viability and profitability of your property. Discover how the right strategies can secure and enhance the long-term value of your asset.
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The topic briefly and concisely
Sustainable building increases property value through lower operating costs, higher tenant demand, and better financing conditions.
State subsidies (e.g., via the QNG seal) and the EU taxonomy create strong financial incentives for sustainable construction and renovation projects.
A life cycle 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 goal of achieving a climate-neutral building stock by 2045, the answer is clear: through sustainable construction. This approach is no longer a niche, but a hard 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 highlights the critical factors.
The key facts at a glance
Economic Pressure: Buildings account for around 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 essential.
High Market Acceptance: 87% of construction companies state that customer demand is a driving force for sustainability.
Measurable Efficiency: Companies focusing on sustainability report improvements in energy efficiency by up to 62%.
Growing Urbanisation: By 2050, 68% of the world's population will live in cities, increasing the pressure on sustainable urban solutions.
The Economic Imperative: Why Sustainability Means Returns Today
The days when sustainable construction was considered an expensive ideal are over. Today, it is a strategic necessity that directly impacts the value of your property. Renovating or building a resource-efficient new structure can reduce a building's energy consumption by almost half. This results directly in lower service charges – an advantage that drives demand from tenants and buyers up to 87%. Investing in sustainability is thus a direct investment in the long-term rental potential and resale value. However, 40% of companies cite lack of financial resources as the main obstacle. This is precisely where a data-driven assessment comes into play, to accurately determine the cost-benefit potential. A well-founded inner-city land development starts with analysing these potentials. Focusing on sustainability is not only idealistic but ensures the profitability of your project for the coming decades.
Utilise government regulations and subsidies as drivers
Die Politik schafft klare Rahmenbedingungen, die Eigentümer kennen und für sich nutzen sollten. The EU Taxonomy Regulation is already setting standards for the financial industry. To be considered a sustainable investment, a new build must have a primary energy requirement at least 10% below the national threshold for nearly zero-energy buildings. Ignoring these criteria risks a poorer rating and more difficult access to financing. At the same time, the government rewards proactive action. In Germany, the 'Sustainable Building Quality Seal' (QNG) is the 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 regulations in urban areas is the foundation for any successful planning.
Choice of materials and construction: The cornerstones of value
The choice of the right materials has far-reaching consequences for costs, durability, and indoor climate. The EU Construction Products Regulation explicitly calls for recyclability, durability, and the use of environmentally friendly raw materials. Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), which make the life cycle assessment of a building material transparent over its entire life cycle based on the DIN EN 15804 standard, provide guidance here. The public database ÖKOBAUDAT provides this data for over 1,400 products. The following aspects are crucial:
Life Cycle Costs: Durable 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 argument for renting.
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 wise business decision.
Future-proof existing properties: Renovation as an opportunity
The greatest leverage for a sustainable transformation of the building sector lies in existing buildings. Energy-efficient renovation is often the most economical and resource-efficient option. Particularly for older buildings, targeted energy efficiency measures can achieve significant savings. The EU aims to double the annual renovation rate, as currently only 1% of the stock is renovated energetically each year. For owners, this means: those who act now benefit from subsidies and increase the value of their property before stricter legal requirements come into play. A sustainable renovation of older buildings protects against depreciation and prepares your property for the future. Unsure where to start? AI-supported analysis like our ImmoGPT can provide you with an initial data-based assessment of potential and necessary steps. This way, you can transform an old property into a future-proof investment.
More than just energy: water, green spaces, and biodiversity
Sustainable construction in urban areas goes beyond insulation and heating technology. Intelligent rainwater management concepts, such as those proposed by the 'Sponge City' concept, reduce the strain on the sewer system and enhance the microclimate. Green roofs and facades not only look good, but also function as natural air conditioners and reduce the urban heat island effect. These measures significantly increase the quality of life and consequently the attractiveness of a property. Although the benefits are proven, over 99 percent of infrastructure spending in 2022 still went into traditional 'grey' infrastructure. Here lies an opportunity for forward-thinking investors to stand out from the market and create real added value. A well-thought-out green roof and facade design is a visible sign of a modern and responsible property concept.
nachhaltiges-bauen-in-urbanen-gebieten
Sustainable building in urban areas is the consistent connection between ecological responsibility and economic wisdom. Politically and socially, the course has been set: efficiency, conservation of resources, and climate neutrality will significantly define the value of properties in the coming years. For you as an owner, heir, or investor, it is crucial to know the potential of your assets precisely. A neutral, data-driven evaluation is the first step to making informed decisions and avoiding poor investments. Take advantage of available grants and technologies to ensure the future viability of your property. Don't wait until the market forces you to act – actively shape the value development of your property yourself.
Additional useful links
Statista offers detailed statistics on revenue from energy efficiency improvement measures in buildings in Germany.
The Federal Environment Agency provides a comprehensive report on sustainable construction.
The dena (German Energy Agency) offers a study on sustainable construction and renovation.
The KfW provides a study on building and energy efficiency.
The Federal Association for Energy-Efficient Buildings e.V. (buveg) presents a study on the higher market prices of energy-efficient real estate.
The Sustainable Building Information Portal (INaB) offers comprehensive information on the topic of sustainable construction.
The Sustainable Building Assessment System (BNB) provides information on the government certification system for sustainable buildings.
FAQ
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 potential of your property. Tools like the Auctoa ImmoGPT chat can provide an initial orientation. For a detailed strategy, a professional, data-driven property evaluation is recommended, which highlights renovation options and their economic viability.
What role does digitalisation play in sustainable construction?
A decisive development. Technologies such as Building Information Modeling (BIM) enable precise planning, reducing material waste. Smart building technology optimizes 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 building material for storing CO₂, but it's not the only sustainable solution for every purpose. A holistic view is crucial (life cycle analysis), which also considers the transport routes, durability, and recyclability of other materials such as recycled concrete or innovative insulating 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. Often, a certification such as the QNG seal is required.
What does the term 'embodied energy' mean?
Embodied energy refers to the total amount of energy required for the production, transportation, and disposal of a building material. A sustainable building is characterized not only by low operational energy requirements but also by having components with low embodied energy.
How does sustainability impact the resale value of my property?
Significant. A certified sustainable building with low energy costs demonstrably achieves higher sales prices. Buyers are increasingly willing to pay more for future-proof properties as they offer lower ongoing costs and a reduced risk of future renovation obligations.
