Holistic approach to sustainability
Architecture has a huge impact on our environment – at the same time, it is also one of the most powerful levers to promote positive change. As the construction industry accounts for roughly 40% of the global CO2 emissions, architects must actively shape the transition towards climate neutrality.
We firmly stand by the principles of the Paris Climate Agreement of 2015 and by attaining the climate protection goals. With our building projects, we take responsibility for more environmental justice – steering away from unilateral consumption towards a future-oriented circular concept. This is our holistic approach to sustainability: in terms of ecology, society, culture and economy. We design concepts that allow for a flexible and variable use of our buildings.
Assessments
Every building project comes with specific requirements with regard to sustainability. Assessments are applied to scrutinize and evaluate the specifics of a project in cooperation with our building owners and its users. Based on our project and process analyses, we then define a suitable sustainability strategy.
We also analyze and evaluate our own office on an ongoing basis. We record the results in a CSER report.
Certifications
Certifications by LEED, DGNB, or BNB standards consider sustainability in buildings as part of a comprehensive approach. Issues such as the impact on the environment and on people, resource consumption and innovation are all being considered. Accredited auditors and experts supervise all our building projects. They are the owners’ go-to persons for more sustainability in the project, for matters relating to the material cycle and zero pollutants, as well as for measures related to climate neutrality.
Simulations
We conduct simulations on energy-efficient building operation, thermal comfort and daylighting using programs developed in-house specifically for this purpose and in close cooperation with external expert planning offices. This helps us calculate operational costs more comprehensively and increase the users' comfort and the quality of their stay inside the building.
Eco-balances / Carbon / Energy
The sustainability goal in every project is to minimize the emission-related effects on the environment and the consumption of resources in all phases of the building's lifespan. By comparing eco-balances, it is possible to assess the constructions and the building materials as well as the energy requirements throughout the building's operation. Optimizing the CO2 footprint during the building's construction is high on our list of priorities.
Material ecology and life cycle
Material ecology takes a circular approach to resources, which includes recycling, re-use and renewable raw materials. The material properties are registered in a cadaster that is available to the building's users and the facility management for maintenance and future remodeling purposes.
Life cycle costs consider the expenses from the time of the building's construction through its ongoing operation to the end of its life cycle. Building owners can thereby assess at any point in time whether the construction budget will be met and whether the building's subsequent operation will be economically viable.