A new culture of conversion triggers rethinking

A new culture of conversion adapts buildings and infrastructures to the changed functional and aesthetic demands. The turn towards environmentally friendly energies, construction methods and building materials calls for a general rethink. Instead of building new buildings on greenfield sites, conversions in existing buildings can solve several problems at the same time.

The new Baukulturbericht 2022/23 of the Bundesstiftung Baukultur calls for a clear, active rethinking. For decades, demolition and replacement construction were considered just as self-evident as the designation of building land on greenfield sites. Now it is becoming clear: the building sector is responsible for a large part of CO2 emissions. In view of the worsening climate situation, the conversion of buildings can make a significant contribution to combating climate change.

"We must focus on existing buildings and neighbourhoods when it comes to creating living space and at the same time increasing climate resilience and energy efficiency," emphasises Reiner Nagel, Chairman of the Board of the Federal Foundation for Building Culture. Building culture in Germany is already on the right track here, as more and more old buildings are being preserved and further developed. This trend must be strengthened.

Rethinking and rebuilding are not only a topic on the highest cultural level, however, but also affect every property owner very directly at the moment. Energy costs have risen drastically in recent months. Many owners of residential buildings that have not been renovated therefore want to renovate as quickly as possible to make them more energy efficient. However, busy craftsmen's workshops and long delivery times for individual materials put a spanner in the works for many.

Those who own an old house can also take action themselves. This is pointed out by the information programme Zukunft Altbau (Future of Old Buildings), which is funded by the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of the Environment. Do-it-yourselfers can carry out some measures on their own, such as sealing the windows and insulating the basement ceiling. The flow temperature of the heating system can then be set lower. However, more complicated renovation measures such as insulating the façade or replacing windows should be left to professionals.

(Photo: © Manfred Antranias Zimmer, Pixabay)