Acting sustainably, every step counts!

Efficiency relates to improving the cost-benefit ratio. Consistency refers to achieving the same result in a different way using fewer resources. Sufficiency is about achieving adequate functionality with fewer resources. All three principles represent different paths towards sustainable development. One obstacle is ingrained behaviour and ways of thinking. Too often, people are reluctant to change old habits, and established methods or solutions are not questioned. This must change for the benefit of future generations. This requires a common understanding of the concept “sustainability” to be developed, and to be widely adopted by companies. For example, for a building to be sustainably designed it is not enough to reduce its lifecycle energy requirement and CO₂ emissions. Sustainable construction also involves the use of local, renewable, ecological materials, and demands that construction materials and products achieve a long service life, while also avoiding risks to health and safety. Considering these issues enables the future viability and thus the lasting value of structures to be ensured. And architects and engineers must advise their clients accordingly. Because in the absence of legal requirements, achieving sustainability remains a voluntary objective for clients. How far has the industry come already? What steps are being taken and what hurdles are there?