On the 2nd of July we presented the available project results at AlpBC event in Bergen (Upper Bavaria). The event called “Building dialogue on building culture and energy” was organzized by the “Chamber of Handicrafts and Commerce for Upper Bavaria (HWK)”, the “Ökomodell Achental” and the “Leibnitz University of Hanover”. The range of speakers was quiet impressing, from architects to handicraft workers. All of them had the same mission: to motivate the audience to build and renovate in a sustainable manner. A small summary of all presentations will be delivered to all participants and interested people. Here’s the one on the MountEE project:
How mountain municipalities can shape their construction policy to a sustainable manner
In accordance with the relevant EU Directive, from 2018 all new and renovated buildings must meet standards for low-energy housing. This represents a major challenge for many municipalities. The technological know-how exists – implementation strategies and practical knowledge is missing in most cases.
Why build green?
In Europe approximately fourty percent are used for construction, renovation and maintenance of buildings. Besides this, space consumption, urban sprawl and high energy consumption are negative effects caused by the construction industry. Sustainable construction can counteract. Through the use of regional construction materials like wood, stone or clay and the employment of local handicrafts men, local economic cycles can be strenghtend. The additional costs for sustainable construction amount to one or two percent of the total costs, which is not that much. It is essential, that one-off investment for e.g. ecological insulation or photovoltaic installation, saves energy costs at the long term. The somewhat higher costs can be recoverd easily. Lower energy consumption means lower costs, and fewer pollutants which is also good for quality of life in communities.
There is no need to wait
Municipalities have a duty to act as models, especially as regards construction and renovation work. By installing a “network of sustainable planning and building” all protagonists like architects, handicraft-men, authorities and citizens can be involved. This results in a better acceptance and a common understanding what sustainable construction is about. All over the Alps many regions have good practice examples how a sustainable construction process can be succesfull. Vorarlberg is a pioneer in sustainable constructions. Study trips, organized by the Energy Institute Vorarlberg and CIPRA International convince you of the advantages of sustainable construction. Learn from the experts!
