A large proportion of pollutant emissions can be reduced through good planning during construction. The Federal Environment Agency has now pointed this out. A study - carried out between summer 2018 and winter 2020 in two new development areas in Berlin - shows that taking environmental concerns into account at an early planning stage can reduce pollutant emissions from construction projects by more than 90 percent.
Among other things, wide roof overhangs can be created on façades to minimize the contact of building materials with rainwater. According to the Federal Environment Agency, the use of biocide- and herbicide-free building products is also often possible. In addition, façades with mineral plaster protect against the growth of algae and fungi thanks to their high pH value, without biocides.
Background: Harmful substances can be released into the environment from building materials such as roof tiles, exterior plaster and exterior paints during the construction phase. A study by the Federal Environment Agency shows that this is particularly the case with the biocides diuron and terbutryn from façades, the root penetration inhibitors Mecoprop and MCPA from roofing membranes, as well as zinc from roofs and façades. The concentrations measured exceeded the target values for surface waters, in some cases significantly.
Source and further information: umweltbundesamt.de
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