Sustainable, futureproof homes - principles and recommendations from Germany

Abstract

In Germany, the introduction of legal binding requirements to limit greenhouse gas emissions in the life cycle of buildings is being discussed. In addition to the political discussion process, the necessary foundations and requirements are currently being developed This applies to both the calculation rules for the life cycle assessment, including the definition of the building and life cycle model and the system boundaries, and the completion of the life cycle assessment data for construction products. Germany is already following the rules of the future standard EN 15978 and has integrated them into the requirements of a new quality certificate for sustainable buildings. The life cycle related greenhouse gas emissions determined in the process also provide the basis for the approval of financial support under the newly introduced funding program for climate-friendly new buildings. In Germany, sustainability assessment systems and funding programs are traditionally used to test proposals for future legal requirements. In a research project funded by the Ministry of Construction, newly constructed residential buildings of different sizes and construction methods are being analyzed. It is being investigated whether the description of the buildings is suitable as a basis for balancing, whether the calculation and assessment rules are clear and easy to handle and whether the required limit values and benchmarks can be achieved in practice. Initial results are presented in this contribution. They provide an insight into the status of the discussion and the preparations for the introduction of statutory requirements in Germany.