Among Germany’s most raw-material-intensive economic sectors is the construction industry. Its share in the consumption of raw materials and energy is substantial: 560 million tons – and thus, some 90 % of all mineral raw materials used in Germany – are used annually for the manufacture of construction materials and products. When it comes to the production of waste in the country, construction weighs in with a share of more than 54 %. In all, some 40 % of total energy consumption takes place in buildings – for heating, hot water and the supply of electricity.
From the perspective of climate protection, the greatest potential for improvement involves the energy-saving modernisation of existing structures. The primary goal of a sustainabilty-based building policy must be the use of existing buildings for as long as possible. Against this background, it is necessary to establish sustainable planning- and construction practices, and thereby take advantage of the potential for reducing environmental damage which is associated with ecological renewal.
