Climate change is omnipresent. In the field of construction and housing, solutions are being worked on at full speed to mitigate the consequences. What will climate-resilient buildings of the future look like? Which materials are durable and recyclable?
According to the Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union, the production of building materials for the construction and modernisation of buildings causes around eight percent of CO2 emissions in Germany. In order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and resource consumption, TH Köln is developing reusable, modular components made from recycled mineral residues and construction waste as part of the "ÖMoBau" project. At the end of the "Modular construction with mineral construction waste in an eco-efficient material cycle" project, a show house will be erected on campus in which many of the new components developed in the project will be used.
The Leipzig University of Applied Sciences (HTWK) is organising an industry get-together for the fourth time with the aim of strengthening networking between practice and research in timber construction. Prof Faouzi Derbel, Vice-Rector for Research and Sustainability at HTWK Leipzig, emphasises: "Timber construction is an important pillar for the building of the future. However, if we build with wood on the scale currently required and with the proven techniques, it will cost our forests. That's why our university is conducting intensive research into digital processes that can make timber construction more efficient."
Dr Ahmed Khoja is a researcher at the Faculty of Architecture at Munich University of Applied Sciences in the Department of Building Construction and Building Climatology. His research focuses on sustainable construction, smart city solutions, climate adaptation and urban resilience. Buildings should not only be climate-neutral, but also climate-resilient. This involves the adaptability of buildings to the effects of climate change in order to minimise damage and maintain functionality.
The collaboration between research, technology and practice - and not just in the projects mentioned above - is already showing promising ways in which construction can become more climate-friendly, sustainable and circular in the future. A rethink in all areas will change the world and make it a better place to live. Builders and property owners can make a decisive contribution to this.
Photo: © TheDigitalArtist, AI-generated, Pixabay
