Conversion instead of demolition and new construction: solutions for fewer grey emissions (LÖSUMBAU)

Description

More than half of CO2 emissions in the building sector are generated during the construction phase. To reduce these gray emissions, a stronger focus on conversion/renovation of existing buildings – instead of demolition and replacement construction – is crucial. The project aims to find practical solutions that can reduce economic, legal, and socio-cultural barriers to conversion/renovation. To this end, we create a typology of different buildings configurations (ownership structure, building character, location, etc.) to account for the fragmentation of the construction industry and the building sector. We illustrate these types through 3D modeling of representative buildings.

Based on the typology, we identify specific barriers per type/starting point and derive practical solutions. The project applies both qualitative (expert and practitioner interviews, workshops, literature review) and quantitative methods (3D modeling and statistical analyses).