Section
Ways to make construction resource-efficient and climate-compatible. From circular economy and material passports to carbon footprints and ESG, deconstruction, reuse, decarbonisation and sustainable building operation.
6 Articles
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How can a modern office building respond to climate change without relying on ever more technology? GEMA's new headquarters in Berlin combines architectural measures, materials with useful thermal properties and carefully targeted building services. Thermal simulations extending to 2045 helped shape a design that limits summer temperature peaks and prepares for future heatwaves.
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A path widens, a swale shrinks and suddenly there is no longer enough space for rainwater. How can designers spot this while there is still time to change the design? Using a real project, Nic Züchner shows how BIM links site areas, heavy rainfall data and flood retention calculations. His model reveals the effects of design changes while also highlighting the limits of today's digital tools. By the B4T editorial team
29.09.2026
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Construction consumes enormous quantities of mineral raw materials. Yet only some recovered materials return to applications of equivalent quality. For Michael Scharpf of Holcim Germany, a genuine circular economy therefore needs more than recycling technology: logistics, standards, data and economic incentives are equally crucial.
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Sustainability and cost certainty are often seen as conflicting goals in construction. Target Value Design starts earlier: environmental, economic and social objectives are defined together and guide design and decisions. Heinz-Michael Ruhland and Ines Mansfeld show how this can resolve the apparent conflict between sustainability and cost certainty.
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If buildings are to use less energy and generate fewer carbon emissions, the key decisions need to be made early - long before every pipe, duct and piece of equipment has been modelled in detail. Models alone do not make buildings more sustainable. Designers need reliable data at an early stage, the right tools to test different options, and processes that carry information seamlessly from concept design through to construction and operation.
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Circular construction focuses on reuse and resource conservation. BIM provides an important foundation by digitally documenting materials and products and making them traceable throughout their life cycle. The new EU Construction Products Regulation and Digital Product Passport give this information chain even greater importance.
