velux-red

Sustainably built and managed

“Prioritise sustainable measures across the building life cycle, considering climate protection, resource usage, energy consumption and carbon emissions”



Considering future generations in today’s building

This dimension is about using natural resources to provide the maximum benefit to current generations while still being able to meet the needs of future generations. This means saving energy and water where possible while being responsible in the use of materials and resources.

Furthermore, as we spend a lot of time indoors, it is also key that the construction materials used in new buildings and renovations promote health.

In addition to improving the sustainability profile of a building, using this dimension can reduce a building’s maintenance and repair costs.

To help stakeholders see what is required to meet the requirements of this dimension, it uses four indicators.

 


Key elements to sustainably build and manage healthy buildings

Energy and carbon emissions

This indicator focuses on optimising energy efficiency and minimising carbon emissions. This means employing passive heating and cooling techniques, energy-efficient systems, and ways to reduce both operational and embodied energy.

Material and circularity
To increase the building’s lifespan and reduce waste, this indicator invoves selecting low-carbon, durable materials, promoting reuse and recycling, and reducing the number of building components. It also includes the use of servicing and spare parts. Read more about the three sub-indicators.
Water
Buildings need to be designed to save water resources. This dimension involves deploying sustainable water management methods to minimise wastewater, recycle and reuse water, and collect greywater for on-site non-potable use. Read more about the three sub-indicators.
Management
To maintain the performance of buildings and technologies over their lifetime, there needs to be a focus on high-quality construction, effective waste management, efficient processes and strategies, repair, renovation and attention to costs.

Policy recommendations

The recent Healthy Buildings Barometer has developed policy recommendations that can support these indicators and encourage sustainable buildings and building management.

 

This includes:

  • Establishing a coherent and well-functioning policy framework for buildings
  • Strengthening legislation to provide access to high-quality, healthy, affordable and environmentally sustainable buildings
  • Establishing a holistic framework for automation of building components, services and control
  • Increasing focus on Indoor Environment Quality (IEQ) with clear definitions and policy enforcement
  • Promotion of low-carbon design principles and materials
  • Establishing integrated climate-responsive building design strategies
  • Increased training for professionals and policymakers on how to integrate indicators

 

Case studies
NETHERLANDS
Nijverdal social housing apartments
This newly built social housing apartment block aims to create sustainable, affordable, and comfortable housing using off-site construction and circular materials
GERMANY
Hammelburg music academy
This project renovated a historical building with a view to maintaining the historical features while adding comfort and reducing energy consumption.
SWEDEN
Kvartetten office complex
The building is designed to withstand Sweden’s cold winter temperatures while using bio-climatic and biophilic design principles.
SPAIN
Valladolid market
Learn about how a historic market hall in Spain was renovated to include both a geothermal heating system as well as an on-site waste management system.
GERMANY
Dortmannhof home renovation
A renovation of an old barn house in Germany keeps the aesthetically beautiful architecture for residents and visitors to enjoy.