DBU Promotes Use of Existing Buildings to Protect Climate

The German Federal Environmental Foundation (DBU) is advocating for the utilization of existing building stock as a crucial strategy in combating climate change. Projects supported by the foundation demonstrate that renovating, converting, and developing current structures offers significant opportunities without necessitating new construction.

DBU-funded research has inspired initiatives such as the transformation of the Gröninger Hof parking garage in Hamburg into a residential and living space. This project integrates local knowledge from residents with the expertise of planners to create versatile areas serving as family housing, cultural hubs, and spaces for small businesses. Such endeavors highlight that increasing living space does not always require new buildings.

According to the DBU, the building sector's high greenhouse gas emissions and intensive resource consumption make leveraging existing buildings a key lever for achieving climate neutrality. Energy is already invested in every existing structure, and its preservation and further development actively protect the climate. The DBU also supports research into timber construction, focusing on modular wood components for vertically extending existing buildings.

The foundation emphasizes that transforming the building stock is most successful when considered at the neighborhood level, integrating energy supply, infrastructure, and community dynamics. The DBU also supports enhancing the energy efficiency of historical buildings and training skilled labor for sustainable construction. The DBU continuously seeks new innovative funding ideas to advance sustainable building practices.