1. DON’T BUILD

Almost 10% of global emissions are generated in the building sector. Construction activities seal the soil and consume energy and other valuable resources. Therefore, the most important first step in any project should be questioning whether and how much we should build at all. After all, the principal (and sadly most neglected) pillar of sustainability is sufficiency.

2. RENOVATE INSTEAD OF REBUILD

Every building component that can be salvaged is a loss avoided. By preserving existing structures, we can save the energy and resources that would be needed for new components. If labor was affordable and materials expensive, we would build in a completely different and much more sustainable way.

3. BUILD LESS /
Build SMALLER

By focusing on the essentials and building as compactly as possible, we can reduce not only resource consumption but also soil sealing. Particularly important to bear in mind is that building less also drastically reduces costs, which can in turn be invested in better construction.

4. BUILD ADAPTABLY

When undertaking work on any building, considering its future from an early stage will help ensure its longevity. That is why we conceive buildings as flexible entities, and not rigid ones. By creating spaces that are easily divided or combined, or new uses are made possible without major conversion, we are protecting the building’s future.

5. BUILD FOR AND WITH PEOPLE

We build for our clients and not for ourselves. Our guiding principle is planning buildings in which people feel comfortable, stay healthy, and can flourish. At the same time, we never neglect those who help to realize our plans; because a good building can only be created through the joint efforts of all involved.

6. BUILD BEAUTIFULLY

Beauty is subjective and responds to the spirit of the time, and yet there exists a common understanding of beauty that traverses generations. Good design ensures the longstanding appreciation and value of a building, and because "beautiful" buildings are less likely to fall victim to the wrecking ball, they help conserve resources for the future. Not forgetting the positive emotions that well-designed spaces and buildings generate.

7. BUILD EFFICIENTLY

According to law, the most important (only) pillar of sustainable construction is creating a building that is energy efficient when up and running. Efficiency is considered to be the second of the three pillars of sustainability; therefore, ensuring insulation and fixtures are as efficient as possible is indeed vitally important. But because almost half of a building's energy consumption already takes place during its construction, we understand that energy-efficient building also means optimizing construction processes.

8. BUILD SIMPLY

Today, the building process is more complicated than ever before. A multitude of rules, regulations, and standards, but also subsidies, are driving us towards ever-more complex buildings — be it via the construction methods used or even the technologies implemented. By striving to build more simply, on the other hand, we can save resources not just during production but especially over the course of a building’s life cycle: during maintenance, repair, and general upkeep. Spaces that are intuitive and simple to use also offer many advantages for those occupying them.

9. Build to recycle

The third essential pillar of sustainability is circulation: from construction through to demolition, the mass of resources used in building is colossal, with almost 60% of Germany’s waste stemming from the construction sector. Forward-thinking planning can allow buildings to be prepared in advance for future deconstruction and recycling, maximizing re-use and minimizing waste. Even now, components can already be separated out during demolition and put to a new use.

10. Build consciously

Many of the previous points are brought together when choosing building materials. First to consider is the energy, labor, and resources used in a material’s production. Second are parameters such as value and durability, but also a potential to retain a “timeless” quality. Thirdly, the end-life of a material — possible modes of deconstruction, recyclability, and disposal — must all be taken into account. Finally, one aspect often neglected in construction is considering how we can create healthy spaces: the materials surrounding us at home and at work have a significant influence on our health and wellbeing.

OUR IFUB* HANDBOOK

is orientated around building for the Common Good. It offers recommendations for different project phases and provides orientation in the often-confusing planning and construction process. It should be noted that the points are not listed in order of importance, but according to the possible stages of intervention over the course of a project.