Living in harmony with nature—that is the promise of eco-friendly construction. You often come across terms like “green building” or “eco-home”—they all share the concept of sustainability. Although the labels “eco” or “organic” are often equated with high costs, this doesn’t have to be the case with sustainable building. After all, there are green building concepts to suit every budget.
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The appeal of green building is obvious, as its goals strike a chord with the spirit of the times: healthy and comfortable living that does not come at the expense of nature. And there is a great deal to consider, because environmental protection goes beyond simply saving energy. The Energy Saving Ordinance has been in effect in Germany since 2002, requiring builders to adhere to guidelines when constructing new housing and modernizing existing buildings. However, sustainable building is a holistic approach in which the house is integrated into an ecological cycle.
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The philosophy of green building also focuses on building materials. These should be as natural and durable as possible. Nature offers a wide variety of materials that have stood the test of time over centuries: wood, brick, clay, and natural stone. They promote a healthy indoor environment and also serve as effective insulation.
Especially in times of rising energy prices, energy efficiency is the ultimate goal. There are various ways to use energy efficiently. You can incorporate renewable energy sources and thus contribute to global climate protection. Or you can generate, store, and use energy yourself—for example, with photovoltaic modules that convert geothermal energy into electricity.
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If builders meet the criteria for green building, they can apply for relevant subsidy programs. After all, environmental commitment is rewarded accordingly. The best way to find out about current eligibility requirements is to contact the county administrative office or the municipal utilities. The Federal Office of Economics and Export Control (BAFA) and the Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW) also contribute to green construction projects through grants and low-interest loans. In Austria, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Environment, and Water Management (BMLFUW) is the point of contact for funding programs.
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If you want to build an eco-friendly home, the plan must be well thought out from the very beginning. Building on your own is not recommended. After all, every product must be evaluated against sustainability criteria before it is incorporated into the construction project. To ensure you don’t lose track of everything, it is advisable to involve experienced experts in the construction of your eco-friendly home. This is also confirmed by engineer Dieter Leukefeld in a statement to the Association of Private Homebuilders. The decision on how eco-friendly the construction should be in detail rests solely with the homeowner. “Unfortunately, there are no standard criteria: this is good and that is bad. A natural wool carpet may be particularly eco-friendly, but if it is installed with solvent-based adhesive or treated with a flame retardant or moth repellent, then its eco-friendly value suddenly becomes highly questionable,” concludes Leukefeld.
Conclusion: Eco-friendly construction is an investment in the future that not only focuses on preserving the environment but also minimizes utility costs.
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About the Author Robin Brunold
Robin Brunold was born in Regensburg in 1982. After elementary school, he attended the Rudolf Steiner School in Munich-Ismaning and completed his secondary education with a Waldorf school diploma and the external Abitur. Robin Brunold studied history and politics and lived in the U.S., Thailand, and France before and during his studies. He completed a three-month internship at earthlink e.V. Today, he works as a marketing consultant, online journalist, and freelance historian.
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