Project duration
02/2021 – 04/2022

Funding Organisation
Bavarian State Ministry of the Environment and Consumer Protection

Summary
The building sector is one of the largest consumers of resources and producers of emissions, which is why it plays a key role in the transformation process of the economy and society towards environmental and climate neutrality. In particular, the emissions generated during the construction and usage stage of buildings are relevant for several action plans of the European Green Deal (e. g. zero-pollutant target for a pollution-free environment).

To comprehensively assess buildings in terms of zero emissions, this project considers both global and local effects and combines them beyond the product level. The emission sources considered include air pollutants as well as sound, light and heavy metals. In addition to minimizing emissions from the building sector, technical options for absorbing or compensating for them will also be investigated. Based on a systematic review of literature as well as the definition and application of corresponding criteria, it will be investigated whether and in which form emission-free buildings can be developed and implemented taking into account the entire life cycle.

The knowledge gained in this study should enable our society and politics to recognize and evaluate both positive and negative developments of various emissions for the environment, in order to be able to introduce holistic measures in the course of the ongoing transformation process.

Project team
Kathrin Theilig