Building owners who value sustainability should look for test certificates for building materials. The Association of Private Builders (VPB) advises this. Certified recycled concrete, for example, can effectively reduce gravel extraction 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 recyclable is the building material?" says Reimund Stewen.
Building owners who would like to find out more about this 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 postage. It can be ordered via vpb.de/shop.php. Builders can also find other guides there, such as studies on building contract law.
Source and further information: vpb.de
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