Building owners who value sustainability should look for test certificates for building materials. This is the advice of the Association of Private Builders (VPB). Certified recycled concrete, for example, can effectively reduce gravel mining and carbon dioxide emissions. According to the VPB, builders can also contribute to sustainability if they ensure that as few different and easily separable materials as possible are used in construction.
According to the VPB, sustainability in construction begins in the early planning phase. According to VPB building consultant Reimund Stewen, it is essential to consider the life cycle assessments of the building materials. "Three important questions are crucial: What is required to produce the building material? What is released in the process? How can the building material be recycled?", says Reimund Stewen.
Building owners who would like to learn more about the topic will find what they are looking for in the VPB guide "Sustainable building - planning for the future". This costs 5 euros (3 euros for VPB members) plus 2 euros shipping. It can be ordered via vpb.de/shop.php. There, builders can also find other guides such as studies on construction contract law.
Source and further information: vpb.de
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