The BUWOG podcast is a discussion format with interviews on topics from the construction and real estate industry. Every two weeks, Michael Divé talks to people who share our passion for urban and neighborhood development. With clever and creative minds from business, research and the public sector who approach the topic of building and living from very different perspectives.
What is new, what is important in the fields of architecture, sustainability, mobility, diversity, climate protection and the energy transition? What does the future of building look like? Informative and in-depth interviews for anyone interested in real estate and urban development.
Expert Benedikt Leidorf reports in the BUWOG podcast and on an innovative project to generate heat from wastewater.
Wastewater as a source of energy? In this episode, Benedikt Leidorf, Head of Energy & Real Estate Solutions at FRANK, explains how warm wastewater can be used to generate environmentally friendly heat for entire residential neighbourhoods - using the Helling project in Hamburg as an example. Topics include the technology, implementation challenges, the role of municipal utilities and waste disposal companies and the importance of digital data for the energy transition. Host Michael Divé talks to him about the potential in the mix of renewable energies, municipal heat planning and how energy generation from wastewater actually works.
Belinda Rukschcio, Co-CEO from Bauhaus Erde
In this episode, Belinda Rukschcio, Co-CEO of Bauhaus Earth, is our guest. She talks about the urgently needed shift towards a sustainable building culture that combines climate, resources and social aspects. The focus will be on the transition from concrete to renewable building materials and the circular economy. This also includes the utilisation of construction site waste - for example, the innovative, pressed clay block developed by the Bauhaus Earth team as a sustainable alternative to burnt stone. The architect also explains why the future lies in existing buildings and why unsealing surfaces is so important - and reports on SESC Pompéia, a former barrel factory in São Paulo.
Dieter Groschopf, Deputy Managing Director of wohnfondswien
In episode 59 of ‘Glücklich wohnen - der BUWOG Podcast’, presenter Michael Divé talks to Dieter Groschopf, Deputy Managing Director of wohnfondswien, about the importance of an active land policy for affordable and high-quality housing in Vienna. The expert explains how wohnfondswien secures and promotes plots of land, organises innovative property developer competitions and implements sustainable renovation projects such as ‘WieNeu’. He also addresses the increasing demand for refurbishment and decarbonisation advice and explains how Vienna is driving forward sustainable urban development.
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Natalie Eßig
Sustainable construction is more important than ever - but why is progress so slow? In this episode, Michael Divé talks to Prof Dr Natalie Eßig from Munich University of Applied Sciences about the opportunities, challenges and concrete solutions for greater sustainability in the construction industry. Why is ‘performance phase 0’ so crucial? How can old construction methods and materials such as clay be rethought? And why is building type E a potential pioneer for simpler, resource-saving construction? Eßig dispels prejudices, explains why sustainable construction does not have to be more expensive - and pleads for more low-tech, courage and a sense of responsibility in the industry.
BIM experts as guests in the BUWOG podcast: Michael Hallinger and Johanna Lippitz
In this episode, we talk to Johanna Lippitz, Head of BIM & Digitalisation at the IKK Group, and Michael Hallinger, Senior BIM Expert at the BUWOG Group, about the potential and challenges of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in the construction industry. They will explain how BIM supports the entire life cycle of a building and optimises collaboration between all parties involved. Important terms such as single source of truth, AIA and BAP are explained. The cost efficiency of BIM and the role of transparency and trust in construction projects will also be discussed.
Peter Engert is Managing Director of the Austrian Sustainable Building Council (ÖGNI).
The climate targets are clear, but the refurbishment rate falls short of expectations. How can the building stock become more sustainable? What are the challenges in refurbishing existing properties and what solutions are there? In the 56th episode of ‘Glücklich wohnen - der BUWOG Podcast’, presenter Michael Divé talks to Peter Engert, Managing Director of ÖGNI, in Vienna about energy-efficient refurbishment, economic hurdles and innovative approaches. Engert explains why the refurbishment of old buildings is often worthwhile, while post-war buildings pose greater challenges. He also shows how new technologies make refurbishment more efficient and why the Ringturm in Vienna is considered a showcase project. Other topics: sustainable building materials, the importance of operating costs for affordable housing and measures to increase the refurbishment rate.
Expert panel with (from left to right) Michael Divé (moderator), Markus Fuhrmann (GROPYUS), Prof Dr Katharina Kleinschrot (TU Dresden), Eva Weiß (BUWOG Bauträger GmbH), Sun Jensch (Coalition for Timber Construction) and Daniel Riedl (Vonovia board member)
Serial and modular construction is often seen as a solution for faster, cheaper and more sustainable housing construction. But how well does it work in practice? In the first Berlin edition of BUWOG im Gespräch, high-calibre experts discuss the opportunities and challenges of this construction method. They include Sun Jensch (Coalition for Timber Construction), Eva Weiß (BUWOG Bauträger GmbH), Prof Dr Katharina Kleinschrot (TU Dresden) and Markus Fuhrmann (GROPYUS). Together, they will talk about regulatory hurdles, social acceptance and the role of sustainability and the circular economy. The discussion will also focus on the innovative power and potential of serial construction, which could set new standards with wood and digital processes. What does it take to establish this construction method in the long term? What opportunities lie in standardisation and the use of sustainable materials?
Theresa Keilhacker, freelance architect and President of the Berlin Chamber of Architects
In the latest episode of Glücklich wohnen - der BUWOG Podcast, Michael Divé talks to Theresa Keilhacker, freelance architect and president of the Berlin Chamber of Architects, about building type E and its potential for sustainable construction. Keilhacker explains how this type of building can lead to affordable yet functional living space by reducing comfort standards, such as sound insulation or the number of power sockets. She shows how creative solutions - such as flexible floor plans or the use of reused components - can bring about lasting change in construction. Although the legal implementation is still uncertain, building type E has already provided important food for thought. Keilhacker emphasises that innovation is often associated with risk and calls on building owners to boldly break new ground.
Prof Dr Mazda Adli, Chief Physician at the Fliedner Clinic Berlin and Head of the Affective Disorders Research Unit at the Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin. Photo: Annette Koroll
Stress researcher Prof Dr Mazda Adli is Chief Physician at the Fliedner Klinik Berlin and Head of the Affective Disorders Research Unit at the Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin. We talk to him about the emotional impact of cities on our well-being and about the field of research he founded, ‘neurourbanism’ - the study of the influence of urban living spaces on our psyche. In the interview, he describes the psychological challenges of city life and how cities can cause illness through social stress. His research project ‘Your emotional city’ investigates how the environment affects emotional well-being. At the same time, it offers insights into how urban planning and architecture can reduce stress and strengthen mental well-being, for example through meeting spaces, mixed use and green spaces.
Daniel Riedl, Member of the Management Board of Vonovia SE
In the finale of the 8th season, we look back on the podcast highlights from 2024 together with Daniel Riedl, Member of the Management Board of Vonovia SE. How has the property sector developed over the past year and what are the forecasts for the future? In this bonus episode, Daniel Riedl takes stock and provides an outlook on the opportunities and challenges. We also discuss topics such as urban density, diversity in management positions and innovative approaches such as ‘Housing First’ to combat homelessness. Another key topic is the digital transformation of the construction industry and its impact on the sector.
Karin Barthelmes-Wehr is Managing Director of the Institute for Corporate Governance in the German Real Estate Industry
In this episode, we talk to Karin Barthelmes-Wehr, Managing Director of the Institute for Corporate Governance in the German Property Industry (ICG). An interview about the S and the G in ESG, about ‘good governance’ and responsible corporate management in a property sector in the midst of upheaval.
The three letters ESG stand for Environmental, Social and Governance and are regarded as guidelines for sustainable corporate management. While the E, i.e. ecological issues in planning and construction, are already very well developed in many companies, the S and G - social and governance - are often perceived as less clear. The Institute for Corporate Governance is Germany's leading platform for exchange, knowledge transfer and further training for value-orientated corporate culture in the industry.
Angeliki Krisilion is a member of the Management Board of Investitionsbank Berlin (IBB). Photo: BUWOG/Hahn
In this episode, we use the 100th anniversary of Investitionsbank Berlin (IBB) as an opportunity to shed light on IBB's role in promoting residential construction projects in the capital. Our guest is Angeliki Krisilion, Board Member for Back Office COO/CIO at IBB.
We discuss how development banks like IBB support the financial system and contribute to the housing supply in Berlin. Founded in 1924, IBB has adapted to Berlin's economic and social challenges over the years and today covers three central development areas: Real estate, economic and labor market promotion. In view of the high demand for housing, 20,000 new apartments will be required each year over the next ten years. Krisilion explains the challenges and the important role of the private real estate industry for the future of Berlin.
Dr. Anna-Vera Deinhammer, Endowed Professor for Sustainable Real Estate Development at FHWien.
In this episode, host Michael Divé talks to Dr. Anna-Vera Deinhammer, Endowed Professor for Sustainable Real Estate Development at FHWien der WKW. She discusses the important role of research in the sustainable real estate industry and outlines her vision for future neighborhood developments in which buildings use their individual strengths to create sustainable solutions.
Dr. Deinhammer emphasizes the need to view sustainability as a business case and describes the challenges and opportunities arising from current changes in legislation and the tangible effects of climate change. The episode offers exciting insights into the close link between basic research and practical application, as well as the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration for sustainable neighborhood development.
STADT.RAUM.MENSCH: The third edition of the dialog format by BUWOG and publisher Der Tagesspiegel. Photo: Tagesspiegel
In this live episode of “GLÜCKLICH WOHNEN - Der BUWOG Podcast”, everything revolves around the digital transformation in the construction and real estate sector and its contribution to more liveable, sustainable cities.
At the STADT.RAUM.MENSCH event, in cooperation with Der Tagesspiegel, top-class experts from politics, business and science, including Daniel Riedl (Vonovia SE), Eva Weiß (BUWOG Bauträger GmbH), Stephan Kögl (Siemens Real Estate), Christian Gräff (CDU) and Michael Müller (SPD), will discuss the topic. The focus will be on the automation of building applications, digital administrative processes and type approvals as well as the use of modern technologies in urban development.
Highlight topics include the “52 Grad Nord” district as a model for sustainable construction and the innovative approaches in Siemensstadt, where honey bees monitor biodiversity as “natural drones”. Finally, Emanuel Lucke from Architects for Future will provide inspiring ideas for the future of construction.
Isabella Jandl, Head of Division at Wohnservice Vienna
In the latest episode of “GLÜCKLICH WOHNEN”, Michael Divé talks to Isabella Jandl from Wohnservice Wien about the unique Viennese model. This model stands for over 100 years of successful social housing in Vienna and is unparalleled in Europe. You will learn more about the Vienna Housing Ticket, which provides access to municipal housing and SMART apartments, as well as the role of Wohnberatung Wien in supporting people looking for housing. Special topics include SMART apartments and the 65 Plus campaign, which helps older people move into barrier-free apartments. There are also insights into land policy and future urban development projects such as the Nordbahnhof site. Listen in to find out more about this pioneering model!
Sarah Dungs from the Greyfield Group and the Verband Bauen im Bestand
In the first episode of the new season, Sarah Dungs, Managing Director of the Greyfield Group and first Chairwoman of Bauen im Bestand e.V., is a guest on the BUWOG podcast. Sarah Dungs explains why the revitalization of existing buildings is both ecologically and economically indispensable and how the industry must develop from the logic of new construction to the logic of existing buildings. She talks about the challenges of refurbishment, the role of the new BiB Check and her vision for sustainable buildings of the future. She also talks about how her many years of experience in field field hockey have shaped her career. Listen in and find out why “Building in Existing Contexts” is an important focus for the construction and real estate industry.
Corinna Müncho from the Federal Association Housing First e.V.
In this episode, we look at the concept of “Housing First”, an initiative that helps to overcome homelessness and homelessness by focusing on immediate access to stable housing. Our guest is Corinna Müncho from the federal association Housing First e. V., who provides insights into the association's work and goals.
We also talk to Federal Minister Klara Geywitz about the relevance and implementation of Housing First in Germany. Find out how this strategy contributes to overcoming homelessness and what challenges exist.
Dr. Joseph Frechen, Branch Manager and Head of Retail at Bulwiengesa
Dr. Joseph Frechen is co-author of the “Ground Floor 5.0” study on the future and challenges of first floor use. In the interview, the Branch Manager and Head of Retail at Bulwiengesa talks about new usage concepts, the integration of nature and the importance of mixed-use properties. End-of-trip facilities also play a role here, offering cyclists showers, changing rooms and a café for the start of the day. The revitalization and flexible use of first floors are key to the revitalization and economic resilience of urban districts. The discussion also reveals how basement apartments can become more attractive again.
Architect and professor Almut Grüntuch-Ernst. Photo: Bernd Bauerochse
In this episode, we delve into the topic of hortitecture - the integration of vegetation into architecture to bring cities closer to nature. Our guest, Almut Grüntuch-Ernst, is a professor at the TU Braunschweig and co-founder of Grüntuch Ernst Architekten.
We discuss the opportunities and challenges with her, looking at national and international examples and the importance of green roofs and façades. We talk about how these concepts can help to make our cities more sustainable and how hortitecture not only changes the cityscape, but also improves the well-being and quality of life of people in urban environments.
Dr.-Ing. Felix Bentlin, urban researcher and scientific project manager at the Technical University of Berlin
Dr. Felix Bentlin is a research project manager at the Institute for Urban and Regional Planning at the Technical University of Berlin. We talk to him about the influence of property owners on a neighborhood and neighborhood development.
The focus is on the “How2Kiez” study, which sheds light on the influence of property owners on the development of neighborhoods. Find out how the owners of smaller properties can make a significant contribution to the attractiveness and sustainability of neighborhoods and why their participation is essential for the transformation of neighborhoods.
The podcast also discusses what will happen to first floors in the future and how these areas can be specifically designed to achieve social, economic and cultural goals.
