6th construction industry 'Baustammtisch' meeting
For existing buildings to be renovated in a circular, energy-efficient and economical manner, we need appropriate innovations and technologies. But which technologies are actually sustainable? Or should we be using well-proven methods and materials more intelligently? What is the role of the EU regulation on taxonomy for sustainable activities and funding sources for economical and ecological renovation projects? The experts invited to the round table at the 6th construction industry 'Baustammtisch' meeting, organised by Austrian Standards, on 7 May 2024 discussed this and other matters.
Martin Hehemann, Editor-in Chief at Österreichische Bauzeitung, moderated the fascinating podium discussion entitled "Taking stock of renovations: how do we close the cycle of ecological and economical buildings?".
The podium comprised: Aramis Glück, Head of the Building Management Department, City of Vienna – Wiener Wohnen, Friedrich Idam, Architectural Historian, Advisor Council on Historical Monuments, Karin Kieslinger, Managing Director, EGW, Caroline Palfy, CEO, LOUD 4 PLANET and Helmut Schöberl, Managing Director, Schöberl & Pöll GmbH.
No renovation project would be more expensive
he podium agreed that in the face of climate change, sustainable construction and renovation is a social responsibility. We will have to pay more in the long term if sustainability and climate protection is neglected in real estate projects. There was also agreement that this approach is not followed in practical implementation, especially when it comes to different calculation methods. Karin Kieslinger, for example, was sure that the life cycle of buildings is not currently taken into account from a commercial standpoint. Aramis Glück also said that there is currently no true-cost pricing but does look to the future with optimism. He is certain that not renovating will become unaffordable in the long term. Helmut Schöberl emphasised that the EU Buildings Directive, which has now been passed, will clarify many of the matters that are currently still unresolved. The subsequent guideline from the Austrian Institute of Construction Engineering (OIB) will also provide precise specifications and definitions and thereby simplify and facilitate renovation projects.
Simple smart buildings – time for a step backwards?
Friedrich Idam and Caroline Palfy believe that we need individual solutions and focuses. Friedrich Idam pointed out that when calculating the U-value of buildings, for example, the thermal mass is not included. This means that buildings in the Wilhelminian style with their solid brick walls and good thermal inertia have would be disadvantaged by the directive. Idam also pleaded for greater use of "simple smart buildings" – in other words, a return to tried-and-tested technologies and methods, the impacts of which have been proven, along with a scrutiny of what is needed of the building. Caroline Palfy was of a similar opinion. She stressed that topics such as heat protection, water consumption or the need for technology in buildings needs to be given greater consideration in the EU directive. Palfy firmly believes that individual solutions are still needed, especially in renovation projects. Standards are indispensable here because they create legal certainty.
Affordability and taxonomy
The round table affirmed that sustainable renovation is affordable because the funding scheme is good. At any rate, depending on province and income level, up to 100% of the renovation costs can be funded. There was also agreement on CO<bpt id="4"><sub></bpt>2<ept id="4"></sub></ept> pricing in the EU regulation on taxonomy for sustainable activities, which is seen as a useful instrument for boosting sustainable projects and materials and simplifying an overall evaluation. The EU regulation on taxonomy for sustainable activities can achieve true-cost pricing in the long term – the key incentive for renovation projects. In principle, preference should be given to renovation over new builds in order to preserve resources and save money. After all, if costs are priced once over the entire life cycle of buildings and environmental impacts are included, then building on greenfield sites is less appealing.
On the whole, everyone on the podium also agreed that, in terms of sustainable renovations, there are still a lot of unanswered questions, but that current trends and efforts are providing grounds for optimism. And they also agreed that renovation projects are not only an important driver for economic growth today, but also an indispensable investment in the future.
More on the topic
- Press release: Construction - A sustainable push from renovation
- Read all about the 5th construction industry 'Baustammtisch' meeting: How can building shells withstand climate change?
- Read all about the 4th construction industry 'Baustammtisch' meeting: Accessible planning and construction means greater convenience for everyone
- Read all about the 3rd construction industry 'Baustammtisch' meeting: "Green" renovations: No "black and white" answers and demolition only as a last resort
- Read all about the 2nd construction industry 'Baustammtisch' meeting: Sustainable construction requires know-how and true-cost pricing
- Read all about the 1st 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)
