2nd construction industry meeting
It is an undisputed fact that the construction sector needs to become "greener". However, how does this look like in practice? What role do the respective stakeholders play? And who does it? One thing is sure: several loopholes still need to be closed in the closed economy – from the initial idea through to demolition and recycling. The construction experts spoke about the challenges, opportunities and responsibilities on 6 October at the 2nd virtual construction industry 'Baustammtisch' meeting from Austrian Standards.
The virtual construction industry meeting from Austrian Standards is a continuation of the "Dialogforum Bau Österreich" with the aim of promoting dialogue on the latest issues within the construction industry. The 2nd digital edition took place on 6 October with a large number of participants. Experts discussed how a sustainable circular economy could work in the construction sector and which aspects still need to be tightened up. Sonja Meßner from the Österreichische Bauzeitung journal led the discussion with four industry representatives. The public also took part via live chat, contributing interesting questions and thought-provoking ideas.
Sustainability affects every discipline
When it comes to sustainable construction, every discipline – from planning and the correct use of building materials to demolition and recycling of materials – must play their part, as sustainable construction starts with selecting the construction site and does not end with energy-efficient, environmentally friendly construction.
The circular economy play a key role in sustainable construction. The entire life cycle of buildings – from planning to demolition – therefore takes centre stage. How can the consumption of resources be minimised as a whole and energy consumption be scaled back during production and erection as well as during operation? How can building projects which do not harm the natural environment be created? And who takes responsibility for implementation?
Some clarity has been created due to recent developments in the political arena. The European Union's "Green Deal£, the Agenda 2030 from the UN and the climate objectives from the Austrian Federal Government are setting the framework conditions for "green" construction. With the Committee „Sustainability of structures“, Austrian Standards has created an interface for networking and dialogue on this topic.
Sustainable building never stops
Committee Chair Peter Maydl from TU Graz stated that the topic of sustainability has already caught on in theory and in practice. It is dealt with comprehensively in most disciplines and subjects during training and education. "With a separate university course for sustainable construction, the sector in Austria was a pioneer as long ago as ten years ago." However, Maydl believes there is a big need to catch up in terms of further training: "The course offering often is not practical for professionals. Developments are continuing at pace – whether technological or conceptual – which is why training is extremely important."
Klaus Thürriedl, , Chamber of Civil Engineers, added: "Education and further training of specialists and decision-makers is a key component for implementing sustainable structures. Many old, environmentally friendly materials –such as clay or stone – have been forgotten, but may be a meaningful addition to innovative projects. New materials and methods are also being developed on an ongoing basis. Specialists have to stay up to date with the latest information so that we can also inform and reach the wider public. After all, sustainable planning and construction has to be commissioned before it can be brought to life."
"We have to move away from the narrative that the end of the world is just around the corner. Instead, we have to highlight the opportunities that sustainability offers," stated Thomas Kasper from the Austrian Construction Materials Recycling Association. "Construction materials which, as far as possible, are sorted and free of harmful substances enable dismantling and reuse of many resources. Demolition and dismantling must always be taken into consideration during planning," is his appeal to the construction sector.
Tool for better true-cost pricing is lacking
Andreas Fromm from ASFINAG Bau Management GmbH: "A lot of work has already been done. Since 2015, we have had plus points for a high rate of recycled material in the asphalt in our tenders, for example. A lot of other innovations are of course required which then have to broadly become standard. In addition, the manufacturing costs must not be used as a benchmark in the future, but rather the life cycle costs. Unfortunately, this is not common, but would result in better true-cost pricing. Another thing which is missing is a standardised, systematic process for determining the service life or useful life of structures including the calculation of renovations or conversion over time. Since the service life of buildings and infrastructure alone is difficult to determine, the resulting costs over the entire life cycle are all the more difficult to calculate."
All experts on the panel were in agreement on this. Maydl as Chair of the Committee "Sustainability of structures" added: "We have to find a standardised cost calculator which draws on environmental models and takes various aspects, such as conserving biodiversity, into account and can quantify them."
In conclusion, we can only achieve sustainability by working together
At any rate, the experts at the construction gathering are convinced that all those involved on the path to a sustainable circular economy need a to have common understanding of what is required. This applies both within the construction sector and across disciplines, such as if planners need to develop new models, materials and processes together with biologists, for example.
There was also agreement about the fact that sustainability is already appreciated and demanded by investors and commissioners of construction projects. There is therefore increasing demand for climate-friendly projects and many clients see the societal and environmental benefits as well as the economic advantages of sustainable investment. It will be all the more important for future tenders that the life cycle costs are calculated in a realistic manner and can be visualised, therefore bringing sustainable concepts to the fore.
The construction industry meeting was recorded – view the video here.
More on the topic:
- Green building regulations: New committee at Austrian Standards refines the "Sustainability of structures"
- Read all about the 1st virtual construction industry 'Baustammtisch' meeting: En route to the BIM library: ensuring that "BIM" doesn't become a Tower of Babel
More information about the Austrian Construction Dialogue Board (Dialogforum Bau Österreich):
