Sustainable construction is no longer a buzzword but almost a byword in the building industry. In Europe, the impact of the building sector on the environment is enormous. Taking a life cycle perspective, where extraction of materials, resources expended on manufacturing construction products, the actual construction process and the use and maintenance of buildings is taken into account, buildings are responsible for up to ½ of energy consumption, 1/3 of water consumption and 1/3 of waste generated in a city. Thus, the need to build sustainably is undeniable and also offers considerable potential to realise energy savings. Furthermore, the savings sustainable building add to the bottom line have put paid to any concerns about the impacts sustainable construction can have on profits. The role that sustainable construction can take in reducing a country’s overall energy consumption has the potential to be a leading one. Thus, new buildings in the European Union for example are subject to directives that will help the EU reach its ambitious climate goals of a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. All new buildings constructed in the EU will need to have nearly zero or little energy needs by the end of 2020. Known as nearly zero energy buildings, those owned and occupied by public authorities will need to be nearly zero energy by the end of 2018. Those in Denmark are subject to even more stringent criteria. It is precisely this reason that the European Union has highlighted Denmark as a leader in sustainable construction, both in terms of the progress Denmark has made so far in achieving virtually zero-energy buildings and the regulations and incentives found in the building sector. This expertise dates back to the oil crises in the 1970s, where Denmark was compelled to start thinking of ways to save energy due to shortages on the supply side. While initially this took the form of relatively simple steps such as turning off the lights in rooms when they weren’t being used or not leaving taps running while brushing one’s teeth, it quickly evolved to measures taken at the outset of the design & construction process, namely how to control the temperature in commercial and residential buildings to avoid heat or cooling loss. Regulations concerning the energy performance of buildings were established in 1979. Well-insulated windows, doors and roofs should, in theory, lead to a low energy building. Given that insulation processes commenced in the 1970s, the result is that many residential and commercial buildings from the period, which are still in use today, are constructed with materials that do not match the knowledge and criteria we possess today in relation to sustainability. Thus, many existing buildings consist of inadequate ventilation systems and poor quality insulating materials, which leads to a poor indoor environment, actually driving up energy consumption, rather than reducing it. The potential to realise green savings is huge, given that the majority of buildings we will live in in the future already are in use today. This is especially true in a country such as Denmark, where rates of new construction are actually quite low, as are demolition rates. Thus, retrofits and renovation of existing buildings to bring them in line with current sustainable construction standards and goals are continuing to grow in importance.
Greater awareness that mitigation strategies to ensure sustainable buildings and sustainable construction can actually have an adverse effect on the indoor climate is driving calls for our understanding of sustainable construction to be redefined. The emphasis is moving to a holistic approach, which takes into consideration how to create sustainable buildings in every sense of the word. Rather than merely constructing buildings, a guiding principle could be to remember that citizens from developed countries spend 90% of their time indoors. When this principle is incorporated into and guides the process, then one moves from merely constructing to designing and constructing spaces where we can thrive, irrespective of whether it is the place where we work, live or play. Failure to incorporate a holistic approach into the design and construction process can create issues for not only the climate, but also those who are going to inhabit or occupy those buildings. For example, it can result in homes where children develop allergies or asthma. It can create work environments where employees are less productive or take more sick days. With research showing that productivity is improved by 15% in buildings that have a healthy indoor climate, paying attention to the indoor health of the building also has a clear economic payoff. What does this mean in practice? It means that if we are to design and construct low-energy, healthy buildings we need to take an integrated approach, where a range of technologies and methods are utilised. Recognition of the need to reduce, reuse and recycle (the so-called circular economy) necessitates the use of reusable or recycled building materials, while technologies that can both conserve and generate energy should also be incorporated into the design process. Furthermore, smart systems, i.e. the internet of things should also be utilised, which will allow buildings to self-regulate the indoor climate. For example, sensor technology, which allows occupants of dwellings to remotely open or shut windows and blinds, turn on or off heating according to variables such as temperature, amount of natural light and humidity in the air. These intelligent systems can assist in reducing overall energy consumption and ensuring healthy, pleasant indoor climates. Thus, a holistic approach to sustainable construction can be thought of as one that reduces environmental impact, harmoniously co- exists with the surroundings and benefits the occupants’ physical and mental health. It requires a transdisciplinary approach to ensure we create spaces that benefit both the planet and the people that inhabit it. ABOUT STATE OF GREEN As the official green brand for Denmark, State of Green gathers all leading players in the fields of energy, environment, urban solutions, water, circular economy and climate adaptation and fosters relations with international stakeholders interested in learning from the Danish experience. State of Green is your gateway to learn more about the ambitious Danish plan and the innovative solutions which are essential to make it happen. Stateofgreen.com is your online entry point for all relevant information on green solutions in Denmark and around the world. Here you can explore solutions, learn about products and connect with profiles. Many of the featured profiles and solutions welcome visitors and offer investment opportunities. | 67