Sustainability in construction is no longer an option—it’s a necessity. A recent hybrid event brought together experts to discuss three crucial topics: sustainable renovation and certification of public buildings, procurement quality in construction projects, and the development of sustainable urban districts. Sustainable Building Renovation and Certification DI David Frick from the Energy Agency Styria presented the MESTRI project, which supports public buildings in sustainable renovation and certification. The initiative aims to reduce CO₂ emissions, improve energy efficiency, and develop innovative funding models. A core component of the project is the early assessment of building stock to identify renovation potential and implement targeted efficiency improvements. David highlighted various certification standards such as klimaaktiv, ÖGNI (DGNB), LEED, Passive House, and BREEAM. He stressed that certification should be integrated as early as possible in the construction process, as retrofitting certification later can be challenging. By embedding sustainability at the planning stage, projects can maximize efficiency and long-term benefits. Procurement Quality in Sustainable Construction Projects DI Margot Grim-Schlink from e7 energy innovation & engineering focused on procurement quality, emphasizing that a clear project vision is fundamental to the success of sustainable developments. The earlier sustainability aspects are integrated into planning, the greater their impact on quality and cost control. To prevent costly mistakes, it is vital for clients to define clear sustainability requirements and ensure that all stakeholders—from planners to users—have a shared understanding of project goals. Quality assurance at every project phase, from feasibility studies to implementation and operation, plays a crucial role in meeting sustainability targets. Grim-Schlink also pointed out that existing certification systems may not always cover all sustainability aspects, making technical monitoring essential for ensuring long-term efficiency and reliability. Urban District Development with PDCA4Future Martina Heidenhofer from 4ward Energy Research introduced PDCA4Future, a project designed to develop a climate-resilient urban district in Bruck an der Mur. The project employs a novel planning and financing approach that aligns the city’s long-term climate neutrality goals with innovative participation models. A key objective of PDCA4Future is to facilitate fact-based decision-making between renovation and new construction, supported by a specialized evaluation and planning tool. Guidelines for sustainable urban planning are being created, considering factors such as transport infrastructure, green spaces, and urban densification. Additionally, the project prioritizes active user involvement to ensure that proposed solutions meet actual needs. PDCA4Future is being developed in collaboration with the City of Bruck, Schemmel Architecture, and 4ward Energy Research. Key Takeaways from the Event – Early planning is essential – The sooner sustainability aspects are considered, the greater their impact on quality and cost control. – Certification is valuable – Building certificates such as klimaaktiv or DGNB enhance energy efficiency and increase property value. – Define clear requirements – A well-defined project vision minimizes misunderstandings and improves construction quality. – Stakeholder involvement is crucial – Successful projects actively engage clients, planners, and end-users from the beginning. – Technical monitoring ensures long-term efficiency – Continuous quality assurance throughout all construction phases guarantees sustainable operations. – Innovative participation models enhance acceptance – Early integration of citizens and stakeholders into urban planning improves project success and community buy-in. Conclusion The event provided invaluable insights into sustainable building and urban development strategies. It highlighted practical solutions for certifications, financing models, and quality assurance that contribute to climate-neutral buildings and cities. By prioritizing sustainability from the outset, stakeholders can drive meaningful change toward a more energy-efficient and resilient built environment.
