9 June 2023, 16:00
DigiMessenger #12
Current Issues in the Construction Industry
Ulrich Nieschalk | Professor of History of Architecture | LinkedIn | 10.3. 2023
1. Dismantling
In construction, dismantling (actually: demolition, breaking down of buildings – but sounds less brutal?) refers to the complete or partial destruction and disposal of buildings and components of all kind. The demolition itself is carried out by processes such as tearing, removal, dismantling, smashing or the use of controlled demolition.
2. Recycling
Product recycling of components from dismantled buildings refers to their reuse after dismantling for the originally intended purpose. This results in significant savings in production energy and finite resources compared to the production of new parts. The product recycling of components, starting with dismantling, conversions or renovations up to the new construction of buildings, thus represents an integral part of a circular economy in the construction industry.
3. Renovation
Renovation in the construction industry means: structural and technical restoration or modernization of buildings in order to repair damage. First and foremost, it is about maintaining the value and improving the building fabric. A renovation goes beyond maintenance and repair. It can involve significant interventions in the building fabric, such as core renovation while retaining the facades and usually includes modernization. An important aspect here is the energy-efficient refurbishment.
4. Reuse
The adaptive reuse of buildings involves redesigning an existing property for a new purpose. The possibilities depend on the building structure, size and performance, as well as on the desired new use. Experts estimate that within the next decade, ninety percent of real estate development will take place through the conversion of existing buildings instead of new construction.
5. Resources and sustainability
The built environment has a significant impact on many economic sectors, local jobs and quality of life. At the same time, however, it consumes enormous resources and accounts for around 50% of total raw material extraction in the EU. Today, these are still mostly primary raw materials. In addition, construction accounts for more than 35% of total waste generation in the EU. Greenhouse gas emissions from the extraction of raw materials, the manufacture of construction products, the construction and renovation of buildings are estimated to be between 5% and 12% of total national greenhouse gas emissions. There is potential for optimisation: 80% of these emissions could be saved with higher material efficiency. In terms of global energy-related CO2 emissions, the construction and building sector accounts for as much as 38%.
6. Energy
Embodied energy refers to the energy required over the entire life cycle of the materials used. This refers to the energy concentrated in buildings that has been used for construction, production and transport. From the foundation to the roof tile, each component requires a certain amount of energy for production and transport. Some are based on finite resources such as oil or rare earths, while others are based on renewable raw materials such as wood or other plants. Some materials and raw materials are easier to produce or extract than others. When assessing the sustainability of an existing building, not only the current energy demand for operation, but also the embodied energy already bound in the walls of the building should be taken into account. In the European Union, the share of CO2 emissions resulting from the production of building materials is about nine percent of the total emissions of all sectors.
7. Economic efficiency
For the evaluation of the profitability of construction measures, further effects and advantages of modernization measures should be considered in addition to financial facts. Living comfort, accessibility, freedom from harmful substances of building materials and the increase in value are not always or only indirectly recorded in profitability calculations. Nevertheless, these should be important decision-making criteria for long-term future investments in real estate.
8. Laws and Regulations
Building Code
Bulding regulations. In some countries, including Germany, there are strict building regulations that make it difficult to convert industrial plants into housing.
Building permit. In some places, the laws also prescribe the permissible size of a construction project and the extent to which historical buildings may be changed. This is especially true for urban locations.
Structural integrity and fire protection concepts In this context, engineers have to calculate, for example, how much support power is needed to save damaged walls. It is also necessary to check the load-bearing capacity of all beams and to strengthen them if necessary. Fire protection must be proven
Federal Immission Control Act
9. Conclusion
The construction industry must become more sustainable and, at best, circular. Adaptive reuse can also point the way to the preservation of architectural and cultural heritage. Transforming historic sites into contemporary structures – rather than restoring the old splendor – makes it possible to preserve heritage by serving a new purpose.
The construction industry is facing a variety of challenges: technical progress, energy transition, digitization, climate change, migration, demographic change and the debate about affordable housing are just a few of them. All stakeholders involved in construction projects are required to design an efficient and reliable framework for the planning, construction and operation of buildings. Standardization make an important contribution to this. They specify the protection objectives for safety, environment and health specified by the legislator, define product requirements such as quantities, dimensions and mixing ratios and describe uniform test procedures to ensure compliance with minimum requirements. Standardization makes construction safer and more economical.
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Source: LECTURA GmbH; Ulrich Nieschalk