Living in harmony with nature - that is the promise of ecological building. You often come across terms such as "green building" or "organic house" - they are all united by the idea of sustainability. Although the label "eco" or "organic" is often equated with expensive, this does not have to be the case with sustainable construction. There are green building concepts for every budget.
Goals of ecological building
The appeal of ecological building is obvious, as the goals are in tune with the times: healthy and comfortable living that is not achieved at the expense of nature. And there is a lot to consider, because environmental protection does not stop at saving energy. The Energy Saving Ordinance has been in force in Germany since 2002, according to which builders must adhere to guidelines when constructing new living space and modernizing existing buildings. However, sustainable building is a holistic approach in which the house is integrated into an ecological cycle.
Ecological building therefore comprises these four pillars:
- Economical and compact use of building land
- Optimal use of the terrain profile
- Low energy consumption
- Natural and particularly durable building materials without toxic components
Conserving resources and using them intelligently
The philosophy of ecological building also focuses on building materials. They should be as natural and durable as possible. Nature offers a variety of materials that have proven themselves over centuries: Wood, brick, clay or natural stone. They ensure a healthy indoor climate and are also effective insulating materials.
Especially in times of rising energy prices, energy efficiency is the non plus ultra. There are various ways to use energy efficiently. You can integrate renewable energies and thus make a contribution to global climate protection. Or generate, store and use energy yourself: For example, with photovoltaic modules that convert geothermal heat into energy.
Green fingers pay off
If builders meet the list of criteria for ecological building, they can apply for corresponding funding programs. Environmental commitment is rewarded accordingly. The best place to find out about the current framework conditions is the district administration office or the municipal utility company. The Federal Office of Economics and Export Control (BAFA) and the Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW) also participate in ecological building projects with grants and favorable loans. In Austria, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and Water Management (BMLFUW) is the point of contact for funding measures.
Ecological building - without advice, no insight
If you want to build an ecological house, the plan has to be well thought out right from the start. Building on your own is not recommended. After all, every product must be checked for sustainability criteria before it is integrated into the building project. So that you don't lose sight of the big picture, it is advisable to involve experienced experts in the realization of your ecological home. This is also confirmed by graduate engineer Dieter Leukefeld to the Association of Private Builders. The decision on how to build ecologically in detail lies solely with the client. "Unfortunately, there are no standard criteria: this is good and that is bad. A natural wool carpet may be particularly ecological, but if it is laid with solvent-based adhesive or treated with a flame retardant or mothproofing agent, then the ecological value is suddenly highly questionable," concludes Leukefeld.
Conclusion: An environmentally friendly construction method is an investment for the future that not only focuses on preserving the environment, but also minimizes ancillary costs.
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 school education with a Waldorf school certificate and the external Abitur. Robin Brunold studied history and politics and lived in the USA, 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 publicist and freelance historian.
Ecological construction is increasingly in demand because sustainability is trendy and future-oriented. This is mainly due to lower energy consumption and optimal use of the site. Thanks for the article on ecological building!