What is sustainable construction?

Sustainable construction is a way of building that takes the environment, health and future generations into account. It aims to reduce the environmental impact of buildings over the entire life cycle: from material extraction, construction and use to demolition and reuse.

Pillars of sustainable construction

Sustainable construction rests on four main pillars:

1. Energy

• Strong insulation of facade, roof and floor
• Triple glazing and airtight construction
• Heat pump and photovoltaic panels
• Low-temperature heating and balanced ventilation with heat recovery

2. Materials

• Renewable materials: timber, clay, lime, flax, hemp
• Low environmental impact: life cycle assessment (LCA)
• Reused or biobased raw materials
• FSC-certified timber

3. Water

• Rainwater harvesting and reuse
• Greywater systems
• Water-saving fixtures and toilets
• Green roofs for water retention

4. Health and circularity

• Moisture-resistant and vapour-open construction
• Low emissions of harmful substances (VOCs)
• Demountable construction for reuse (cradle-to-cradle)
• Adaptable construction for different life stages

Applications

Sustainable construction is increasingly the norm. Common frameworks include:

• NZEB — Nearly Zero Energy Buildings, mandated by the EU
• LEED, BREEAM — international rating systems
• Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) — required at sale and rental
• Gas-free new build — increasingly required in several countries

Performance levels

• Energy efficient — basic level, meets building code
• Net-zero energy — generates as much energy as it consumes
• Energy-positive — generates more energy than it consumes
• Passive house — extreme insulation, minimal heating demand
• Circular — fully demountable and reusable

Related terms

• NZEB
• Passive house
• LCA
• Cradle to cradle
• Energy label

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