Accompanying research "Climate-friendly construction - model projects"

Centre for Urban Ecology and Climate Adaptation – Subproject 1

Creating affordable living spaces is challenging for developers, such as public or private investors. Adapting buildings to changing climate conditions is seen as an additional burden that further reduces the economic viability of construction projects.
The research project, a sub-project of the Centre for Urban Ecology and Climate Adaptation (ZSK) at TUM, provided scientific support for implementing ten model projects in Bavaria regarding urban climate adaptation and mitigation in residential construction. As part of the project, we evaluated climate protection and adaptation measures using a cost-benefit analysis. Side effects, such as health and environmental costs, were included in the assessment.

By analyzing real model projects in subsidized housing construction, it was possible to show that the measures examined not only make an essential contribution to protecting against the effects of climate change but also make economic and social sense. We investigated this using the measures of tree preservation and replanting, outdoor ground coverings, infiltration systems, roof and façade greening, and sun protection.
Recognizing that long-term economic and social benefits can be achieved through increased investment costs is crucial. The early consideration of climate-friendly measures in the planning process creates the conditions for this to succeed. At the end of the project, the results were published in the brochure Bezahlbar klimagerecht bauen (in German).