{"id":21496,"date":"2024-10-14T16:55:38","date_gmt":"2024-10-14T15:55:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/greenbuilt.dev.kodeks.no\/?p=21496"},"modified":"2024-10-14T16:58:05","modified_gmt":"2024-10-14T15:58:05","slug":"city-architect-knowledge-gaps-hindering-sustainable-buildings","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/greenbuilt.no\/en\/2024\/10\/14\/city-architect-knowledge-gaps-hindering-sustainable-buildings\/","title":{"rendered":"City Architect: Knowledge Gaps Hindering Sustainable Buildings"},"content":{"rendered":"

Photo: Troldtekt.<\/a> The Archives House in Stavanger is BREEAM Excellent certified.<\/em><\/p>\n

Buildings can last a long time, but many are planned for a much shorter lifespan than they could potentially have. This is not demonstrating social responsibility, writes Henrik Lundberg, City Architect for Stavanger Municipality, in Stavanger Aftenblad.<\/h6>\n

This is a commentary reflecting the writer\u2019s analyses and opinions.<\/em><\/p>\n

Costing Not Much More<\/h2>\n

It turns out that there is much to gain from building smarter. Buildings can achieve better performance across all areas. At the same time, participating in innovation does not cost significantly more.<\/p>\n

The additional cost averages between 2\u20135%. Considering the uncertainties inherent in a construction project, this is modest, especially if better financing and insurance terms can also be obtained.<\/p>\n

40% Footprint of the Industry<\/h2>\n

When we joined the Paris Agreement in 2015, it involved challenging commitments. We must reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an increased percentage every five years leading up to 2050. Many are still wondering where the next cuts will come from and how they will be implemented. For the construction industry, the tightening of regulations has not yet been captured in building codes (TEK). These set minimum requirements that are so low that the targets will not be met.<\/p>\n

Globally, the construction industry is referred to as the “40% sector” because it accounts for 40% of all CO\u2082 emissions, 40% of energy consumption, and 40% of waste.<\/p>\n

Therefore, it is a sector where significant cuts will occur. Requirements will be tightened, likely as international standards through the EU, which Norway will adhere to.<\/p>\n

Currently, we are lagging far behind. This means a change that could be challenging for those adhering to the minimum standards.<\/p>\n

Recently, it was prohibited in the Netherlands to rent out buildings with low environmental profiles. In London, obtaining demolition permits has become more difficult, necessitating the rehabilitation of existing buildings to preserve the resources already in place.<\/p>\n

Funding Requirements<\/h2>\n

It should be noted that not everyone adheres to the minimum standards. Several are aiming for a higher level of ambition through the use of BREEAM, which is an environmental certification tool for buildings allowing the selection of various levels of sustainability. One reason for this is that banks have begun imposing environmental requirements on the buildings they finance, and insurance companies are doing the same.<\/p>\n

Through the EU taxonomy, there are increasing demands for ESG reporting. This stands for \u2018environmental\u2019, \u2018social\u2019, and \u2018governance\u2019, measuring the environmental and societal aspects of investments and operations.<\/p>\n

This holds actors accountable, which in turn means that they demand awareness from their partners. Together, this contributes to driving transformation across all sectors.<\/p>\n

However, transformations require innovation. New knowledge is essential to solve the problems. For the construction industry, one can envision the introduction of a standard that ensures targets are met.<\/p>\n

The reason this is not happening could be attributed to the industry\u2019s conservative nature, combined with the sluggishness of the public system. But most importantly, we currently lack sufficient knowledge to develop buildings with the high environmental profile that is required.<\/p>\n

Such knowledge has not previously been amassed to a significant extent, making it impossible to outline a standard applicable to all buildings.<\/p>\n

Thus, we recognise the need for tightening regulations, but we cannot demand this yet. Before a standard can be established, new knowledge must be developed.<\/p>\n

FutureBuilt Innovation Programme<\/h2>\n

FutureBuilt is a Norwegian innovation programme that brings forth pilot buildings with innovative solutions, contributing to the development of this knowledge.<\/p>\n

All participating projects are required to cut emissions by 50% compared to current standards. The ambition is to maintain this figure up to 2050, even with the tightening that will occur.<\/p>\n

This practically means that the projects will be ten years ahead of the current standard. Projects wishing to participate in the programme enter into a binding agreement, receiving support to achieve ambitious goals.<\/p>\n

\"Nansenl\u00f8kka<\/p>\n

Photo:<\/em> Add Architects. Nansenl\u00f8kka Norway is a Futurebuilt nZEB project\u00a0<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Every participating project must contribute to innovation. It involves developing new ways to assemble buildings, reducing material usage and cutting the use of non-renewable or polluting materials.<\/p>\n

Equally important is the reuse of existing materials and exploring how buildings can be constructed in a way that allows for disassembly and future reuse. It also involves finding new paths to more efficient and cleaner energy use, both in construction and operation.<\/p>\n

It also concerns the outdoor spaces between our buildings, contributing to increased nature in the city and biodiversity.<\/p>\n

Futurebuilt expands<\/h5>\n

The programme began in Oslo, and eventually, the five neighbouring municipalities joined in. Last year, the programme was expanded to Bergen, and from this year, Trondheim and Stavanger are also involved.<\/p>\n

Interestingly, the programme grew out of the Norwegian Wood project, which was part of Stavanger 2008. When that project concluded here, some in Oslo took the initiative.<\/p>\n

In a way, one could say that it is now coming home. Currently, FutureBuilt is a three-year project in Stavanger, but efforts are underway to make it a permanent national initiative.<\/p>\n

So far, more than 70 buildings have been realised in Oslo and the surrounding municipalities. These include significant landmark buildings such as Deichman Library, Munch Museum, and the National Museum<\/a>, but the programme is open to all types of buildings.<\/p>\n

Circular Economy<\/h5>\n

A large part of the focus is on reuse, where numerous office buildings, many of which we in the city would consider for demolition, have received a new and more environmentally friendly future.<\/p>\n

\"Kristian<\/p>\n

Photo: Kristian Augustsgate 13 is a Futurebuilt project with reused materials.<\/em><\/p>\n

The programme spans from the rehabilitation of small backyard buildings to the development of entire neighbourhoods in new urban areas.<\/p>\n

In addition to environmental ambitions, FutureBuilt aims to achieve ecological improvements on the site. Quality requirements are set for architectural design and attractive urban environmental characteristics.<\/p>\n

All projects are also profiled towards social sustainability. Through a broadly composed array of themes, the projects aim for good, holistic solutions.<\/p>\n

Learning Arenas<\/h2>\n

A significant focus within FutureBuilt is the dissemination of the knowledge developed. This is achieved through site visits, online meetings, and conferences.<\/p>\n

The programme serves as a showcase for the projects, facilitating ongoing knowledge transfer. There is close collaboration with the Green Building Alliance, which spreads knowledge to all its members.<\/p>\n

Through the programme, networks are established that connect various professional environments with specialised expertise, allowing them to carry experiences from one project to the next.<\/p>\n

The lesson is that buildings last a long time, and it costs little to build thoughtfully. It can be expensive to build incorrectly. Through FutureBuilt, it is now possible to participate in building the future.<\/p>\n