Giving buildings a second chance by renovating, extending and upgrading them is actually the most natural thing in the world: Old things are given a new lease of life, and at the same time we protect the climate.
Renewal as nature’s inspiration to protect our climate
© Uwe Strasser
Sustainable renovation
The construction and renovation sector is one of the sectors with the greatest potential for cutting CO2 emissions. Time is of the essence when it comes to climate change, and as a pacesetter in our industry we know we have a responsibility for future generations and so are taking the necessary steps – now!
One important aspect in this regard is how old buildings are carefully and stylishly renovated and brought to life again. After all, since buildings have an impact on emissions over a span of many decades, they are a key building block in fulfilling the climate protection mission.
This issue of architectum presents selected projects showcasing sustainable renovation. I’ll let the venerable houses and squares on the following pages speak for themselves and tell their stories. By using carefully selected materials, not only have they been given a new life which has enhanced their value, they also offer sustainability for future generations, thanks to the CO2 savings that have been achieved.
A historic palace restored to its former grandeur and put to new use in the Czech Republic, a 1960’s tower in the Netherlands that was saved with a sophisticated renovation upgrade and a previously bleak, asphalted public square offering completely new synergies in Estonia: These and other examples clearly show how sustainable architecture and construction planning can open up new perspectives for the future.
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