High-performance building concepts

The threatening increase in the atmosphere’s carbon dioxide level and other problems – particularly the growing world population and the increasing consumption of natural resources – require immediate action in developing new energy supply strategies. Key measures in this context include saving energy and reducing the use of fossil fuels. Experts consider space heating to hold the largest potential for energy saving: In Germany, more than 30 percent of the total (delivered) energy consumption is used for this purpose.

Since the late 1980s, our experts have had a substantial influence on the development of low-energy buildings in Germany – keeping construction costs at the same or a slightly increased level. The large-scale deployment of low-energy construction methods has had an impact on adapting the regulatory minimum requirements – which has eventually resulted in advancing alternative developments in conventional heating technologies. Three-litre buildings, LowEx systems and net zero-heating energy buildings are just some landmarks of the further development to this day.

Moreover, we can already now report first successful achievements regarding the conception of high-efficiency plus-energy buildings, which generate more energy (on an annual basis) than needed for occupants and building operation. This means: 100 percent energy supply from regenerative sources and zero-emission building operation – a promising, innovative approach for the future use of energy, under both economic and environmental aspects.