The 3rd Climate Festival for the Building Transition 2024 (Klimafestival für die Bauwende) took place on November 21 and 22 at STATION Berlin, bringing together over 3,600 participants from the construction and real estate industries. Organized by Heinze and BauNetz, the event aimed to promote sustainable approaches for the building transition. The motto: “Together, we are transforming the construction industry. Sustainably.” The festival featured a diverse program including presentations, panel discussions, workshops, and exhibitions focused on topics such as resource conservation, circular economy, and energy-efficient construction methods.
Seven exciting thematic Worlds awaited attendees:
- Digitalization & Processes
- Technology & Energy
- Efficiency & Effectiveness
- Green Buildings & Urban Climate
- Circularity & Supply Chains
- Raw Materials & Building Components
- Materials & Innovation
The combination of innovative ideas and interdisciplinary exchange was celebrated as a crucial step toward transforming the construction industry towards climate neutrality. Renowned speakers included Prof. Carlo Ratti, environmental activist Markus Mauthe, and architect Anna Heringer.
Photos: GCS
“Climate change isn’t just knocking; it’s breaking down our door.”
Markus Mauthe’s contribution, featuring striking visualizations of Earth’s tipping points (PIK article), and the event itaelf were a true eye-opener for Michael Lehnert, our Division Manager CityBreeze. Reflecting on the event, he assessed the situation with stark clarity: “Climate change is no longer knocking – it’s breaking down our door.”
Key takeaways for sustainable construction:
1. Simplify builds: Cut material use by 15%
2. Embrace natural materials like clay
3. Integrate greenery creatively
His key takeaways for sustainable construction after attending the event:
- Simplify builds: cut material use by 15%.
- Embrace natural materials like clay
- Integrate greenery creatively
The message was clear: “Act now to drive the building transition and achieve climate neutrality!”
Photos: GCS
Federal Association for Sustainable Economy & Sustainable Construction
The Federal Association for Sustainable Economy (Bundesverband Nachhaltige Wirtschaft, BNW) also champions the building transition. As they emphasize, the World Economic Forum views biodiversity loss as “one of the major risks in the next decade.” They warn that the “collapse of ecosystems and the depletion of natural resources affect everyone and every industry”.
Thus, BNW Managing Director Dr. Katharina Reuter attended the event, promoting the motto: “Together for the #BuildingTransition!️” Highlighting the challenges, she stated: “The building sector plays a significant role in achieving our climate goals. Currently, it accounts for about 40% of global CO2 emissions and 40% of total energy consumption within the EU.” What’s more alarming is that in “Germany, 74% of the energy for space heating and hot water in residential buildings still comes from fossil fuels”. Reuter urged immediate change to achieve a climate-neutral building stock in Germany by 2045. Deep transformations are needed, from the materials we use to the energy sources powering our buildings. While a recent PwC study found that “70% of construction companies have introduced ESG standards”, only “just over a third” implement these standards consistently. To bring the building transition into focus amid global multi-crises, we need “structures and regulations that empower sustainable pioneering solutions and bring other players on board”.
Climate? Ecological Aspects? Sustainable Pioneer Solutions?
Did you know? The cooling power of 81 trees can be achieved in just 9 square meters with innovative solutions.
Let’s shape the future of sustainable construction together! Contact us to explore how our innovative fresh-air concepts can make your next building project more environmentally friendly and impactful.
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source: BauNetz on LinkedIn