An outline of a house depicted in the form of plants.

Sustainability glossary

Welcome to BUWOG's sustainability glossary. As a leading project developer in residential construction, we are committed to a sustainable future. The building sector plays a central role in climate protection, as it accounts for a significant proportion of energy consumption. With a clear focus on ecological, economic and social sustainability, we realize new construction projects that meet the requirements of current and future generations. Our glossary from A to Z offers a wide range of terms relating to sustainability in the construction sector, explains their meaning and shows how they contribute to the promotion of neighborhood development and urban density.

Glossary

Waste management

Waste management in the construction industry refers to the efficient organization and implementation of measures for the handling, separation, disposal and recycling of waste generated during the construction process. This includes the implementation of strategies and techniques to reduce construction waste, the proper storage and disposal of unused materials and the reuse or recycling of construction materials. The aim is to minimize environmental impact and conserve resources. Effective waste management contributes to the sustainability of construction projects by reducing waste volumes, lowering costs and reducing environmental impact.

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Wastewater management

Wastewater management refers to the planning, organization and implementation of measures for the treatment and disposal of wastewater. It includes the collection, purification and recycling or environmentally friendly disposal of wastewater from households, industry and agriculture. The aim of wastewater management is to minimize the environmental impact of wastewater and protect the water supply. Technical systems such as wastewater treatment plants are used to treat wastewater and then discharge it into natural bodies of water or treat it for reuse.

In the construction industry, effective wastewater management plays a key role in the development of sustainable construction projects and neighborhood development and helps to reduce environmental pollution and improve the quality of life of residents.

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Accessibility

Accessibility refers to the design of buildings, means of transportation, products and services that enable people with physical, sensory or cognitive impairments to use them without barriers. The aim is to enable equal participation in social life for all people, regardless of their individual abilities or limitations. A continuation of this is the concept of universal design: products, services and environments should be designed in such a way that they can be used by as many people as possible without adaptations or specialization.

When constructing buildings and developing neighborhoods, accessibility means planning and implementing infrastructure and living spaces that are accessible to all people. Barrier-free construction includes, for example, the integration of ramps, elevators, wide doorways, tactile guidance systems for the visually impaired, accessible toilets and barrier-free access to buildings and facilities.

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Biodiversity

Biodiversity refers to the diversity of all living organisms, including plants, animals and microorganisms, as well as their genetic diversity within species. It encompasses both the diversity of habitats and the diversity of ecological processes and functions in an ecosystem. A high level of biodiversity is crucial for the functioning and stability of ecosystems.

In the context of urban development and construction, biodiversity refers to the preservation and promotion of natural habitats and green spaces in urban areas. This includes the creation of green open spaces, parks, urban gardens and semi-natural retreats to preserve and promote biodiversity. The integration of biodiversity into urban development projects not only contributes to the beauty and quality of life of cities, but also to promoting ecological balance, improving the urban climate and creating habitats for various animal and plant species.

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CO2 balance

The carbon footprint is a tool for assessing the environmental impact of activities and products in terms of greenhouse gas emissions. It records all relevant emission sources and enables a transparent presentation of the environmental impact over the entire life cycle. The assessment is carried out by identifying, quantifying and evaluating CO2 emissions in order to highlight potential for reducing emissions.

The carbon footprint plays a crucial role in the construction industry, especially in the context of the life cycle of buildings. It enables construction companies to identify and quantify CO2 emissions over the entire life cycle of a building, from the construction phase through operation to dismantling.

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Cradle to Cradle

Cradle to Cradle (C2C for short) is a concept for sustainable design and production developed by architects William McDonough and Michael Braungart. It describes an approach in which products are designed from the outset in such a way that they are biodegradable at the end of their life cycle and can be returned to natural nutrient cycles (biological cycle). Alternatively, products are designed according to the C2C concept so that their materials are preserved in closed technical cycles and can be used again and again (technical cycle). C2C aims to create products that produce no waste and instead have a positive impact on people and the environment.

The cradle-to-cradle concept offers the construction industry the opportunity to design and construct buildings that produce no waste at the end of their life cycle. The building materials used should either be recyclable or biodegradable.

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Decarbonization

Decarbonization refers to the process of reducing carbon emissions, especially carbon dioxide (CO2), in various sectors such as energy production, transport and industry. The goal of decarbonization is to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and promote the use of low- or zero-carbon energy sources to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Decarbonization is crucial for the construction industry as it not only reduces the carbon footprint of construction and manufacturing of materials, but also affects the operation of buildings. This means increasing the use of sustainable materials and energy-efficient technologies in construction, promoting renewable energy and improving energy efficiency in building operations.

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Energy efficiency

Energy efficiency refers to the ability of a system, device, process or building to use energy effectively while minimizing energy consumption. The aim of energy efficiency is to reduce energy consumption in order to conserve resources, minimize costs and reduce environmental impact. This can be achieved through the optimization of technical processes, the use of efficient technologies, the reduction of energy losses and the conscious use of energy.

Energy efficiency is of central importance for the real estate industry, as buildings account for a significant proportion of energy consumption and therefore offer great potential for energy savings. By integrating energy-efficient technologies and construction processes, construction companies can help to minimize the energy consumption of buildings and achieve long-term cost savings.

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ESG

ESG stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance and refers to the criteria that companies use to assess their performance and impact in these three areas. These criteria are used to measure a company's sustainability and social responsibility and to assess how it integrates environmental concerns, social justice and good governance into its business strategy. ESG has become an important benchmark for investors, companies and other stakeholders who increasingly value sustainable and responsible business practices.

ESG real estate refers to properties that consider environmental, social and governance criteria in their design, construction and operation to promote long-term sustainability and value retention.

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Building insulation

Building insulation refers to the use of materials and techniques to reduce heat loss or gain in buildings in order to minimize energy consumption and improve thermal comfort. Thermal comfort refers to the pleasant feeling of warmth or coolness that people experience in their environment. It is the result of a balanced and appropriate temperature, humidity and air movement to suit individual preferences and physical activities. Building insulation involves the installation of insulating materials in walls, floors, ceilings and roofs to reduce heat flow and thus reduce the need for heating and cooling. Building insulation plays a crucial role in improving the energy efficiency of properties, helping to reduce CO2 emissions and lower heating and cooling costs.

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Building life cycle

The building life cycle covers the entire life of a building, from planning, construction and use through to demolition or reuse. Life cycle analysis (LCA) and life cycle cost accounting (LCCA) play a crucial role in assessing and optimizing environmental impacts and costs over the entire life cycle. By considering the building life cycle, companies can ensure that their construction and operational decisions are environmentally, economically and socially sustainable. The integration of LCA and LCCA helps to improve the sustainability of construction projects, use resources more efficiently and achieve long-term cost savings. Environmentally friendly solutions are prioritized and the ecological footprint is reduced.

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Building certification

Building certification refers to the process of assessing and certifying buildings based on certain standards and criteria for sustainability, energy efficiency, environmental compatibility and health. These certifications are awarded by independent organizations or institutions and serve as proof that a building meets certain requirements.


Among the best-known building certifications are LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), which was developed by the US Green Building Council and is internationally recognized, and BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method), a British standard that is also used worldwide. The German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB) awards certifications according to its own assessment system, which focuses on sustainability, economic efficiency, socio-cultural and functional quality as well as technical quality. QNG (Quality Network for Sustainable Buildings) is another German certification system that assesses and promotes the sustainability of buildings at regional level.

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Geothermal energy

Geothermal energy is a form of energy production in which the natural heat from the earth's interior is used to generate thermal energy or electrical energy. This is done through the use of heat pumps or geothermal power plants that utilize either shallow or deep geothermal heat sources, such as hot springs, geothermal reservoirs or geothermal energy. Geothermal energy is a renewable energy source and can be used to heat buildings, provide hot water and generate electricity, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and diversify the energy mix.

By using renewable geothermal energy, construction companies and real estate developers can reduce the carbon footprint of their projects while lowering operating costs in the long term. The implementation of geothermal energy helps to increase the attractiveness of real estate as it improves comfort for residents and at the same time contributes to achieving sustainability goals.

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Grey energy

Grey energy refers to the total amount of energy required to manufacture, transport, assemble, use and dispose of a product, including all associated resources and emissions. This includes both the direct energy consumed during the manufacturing process and the indirect energy used for the extraction of raw materials, transportation and other related activities. Grey energy is an important indicator of the environmental impact of products or buildings and can help to assess the ecological footprint and make more sustainable decisions.
In the construction and real estate industry, the consideration of grey energy is important to assess and minimize the environmental impact of construction projects. By reducing gray energy in construction processes, construction companies and real estate developers can reduce the environmental footprint of their projects and increase sustainability. This can also optimize the life cycle costs of buildings and enable long-term cost savings.

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Green roof

A green roof, also known as a green roof, refers to the planting of vegetation on the roof surface of a building, which offers ecological, energetic and aesthetic benefits. This greening can range from extensive green roofs with light vegetation to intensive green roofs with a large number of plants and trees. Green roofs promote important ecological functions such as improving air quality, reducing storm runoff, insulating buildings and promoting biodiversity in urban environments. In addition, green roofs help extend the life of the roof by protecting it from the elements and UV radiation, and provide an additional open space for recreation, horticulture or urban cultivation. The disadvantages of a green roof are the higher initial investment and increased planning requirements, the increased maintenance effort and the additional weight that a stronger roof structure requires.

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Timber construction

Timber construction refers to a construction method in which wood is used as the main building material for the construction of buildings. This construction method can include traditional timber frame constructions, half-timbered houses, log houses or modern timber systems such as cross-laminated timber (CLT). Timber construction is characterized by its sustainability, energy efficiency, aesthetic diversity and speed of construction. By using wood as the main building material, builders and architects can reduce the environmental impact, as wood is a renewable and CO2-neutral raw material. In addition, timber construction offers a high degree of flexibility and adaptability, which makes it possible to realize buildings in different styles and forms. The use of wood as a building material also promotes the health and well-being of the occupants, as wood has natural properties such as good humidity regulation and pleasant room acoustics. However, timber construction can also have some disadvantages, including an increased risk of fire and greater susceptibility to moisture and pest infestation if the wood is not properly treated or protected. In addition, some types of wood are susceptible to warping or cracking.

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KfW

KfW, Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau, is a German state-owned bank that offers promotional programs and financing in the field of lending and promoting projects in the areas of housing, infrastructure, environmental protection, education and corporate finance. Its programs include grants, loans, guarantees and other financial instruments aimed at facilitating investment and promoting societal goals such as sustainability, climate protection and social justice. KfW plays an important role in the construction industry by providing financial support and funding for construction projects, particularly in the area of energy-efficient construction and sustainable refurbishment.

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Climate neutral

Climate neutrality refers to the state in which the net emissions of greenhouse gases from a particular activity, process or company are reduced to zero or fully offset through compensation measures. This means that the amount of greenhouse gases released is offset by the amount of greenhouse gases absorbed or compensated for, so that no additional negative contribution to climate change is created.

To achieve climate neutrality, companies and organizations must first minimize their greenhouse gas emissions through measures such as increasing energy efficiency, using renewable energy and reducing emissions from production processes. In addition to reduction, they can also support compensation measures such as reforestation projects or investments in CO2 compensation projects. Striving for climate neutrality is an important goal for environmentally and sustainability-conscious companies, as it has a positive environmental impact and strengthens their image and credibility.

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Circular economy

The circular economy is a concept that aims to minimize the consumption of resources and reduce waste by keeping products, materials and resources in closed loops. Products are designed, manufactured, used and recycled in such a way that their materials and components can be returned to the production process at the end of their life cycle. The aim is to reduce dependence on finite resources, reduce environmental pollution and promote a sustainable economy.

The concept of the circular economy is replacing the traditional linear model of “extract, produce, use and dispose” of building materials in the construction industry. The circular economy also promotes innovative business models based on resource exchange and reuse.

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Noise protection

Noise protection refers to measures to reduce noise emissions and immissions in order to minimize the impact of noise on people, animals and the environment. A distinction is made between emissions and immissions: Emissions are the noise sources, i.e. the place where the noise is generated (e.g. traffic, industrial plants or construction sites). Immissions, on the other hand, are the noise pollution that occurs at a specific location, i.e. the effects of noise on people, animals and the environment at a specific location (e.g. in residential areas or public places). Noise protection aims to reduce both emissions at the source and immissions at the affected locations by using sound-absorbing materials in buildings and infrastructure and implementing measures such as noise barriers and noise pollution restrictions.

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Light pollution

Light pollution is the undesirable effect of artificial light on the natural environment, especially at night. This can be caused by excessive or inefficient lighting, which results in a sky glow. The view of stars and the night sky is thus impaired. Light pollution can take various forms: Stray light, glare, skyglow and light intrusion. Light pollution can have a negative impact on wildlife, human health and the environment. For example, streetlights that are too brightly lit can disrupt the sleep-wake cycle of residents and alter the breeding seasons of birds through artificial light, affecting their reproductive cycles. Measures to reduce light pollution include the use of energy-saving and directional lighting solutions, the introduction of lighting guidelines and standards.

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Mobility turnaround

The mobility transition refers to the transition from conventional, fossil fuel-based transportation systems to sustainable and low-emission mobility solutions. Aspects such as improved public transport connections, the promotion of electromobility and the expansion of charging stations play a key role in this. It also includes redesigning urban planning and neighbourhood development with the aim of making transport more efficient, optimizing transport infrastructure and improving the quality of life in urban areas. Examples of mobility transition measures include the creation of bicycle lanes and pedestrian zones, the promotion of car-sharing schemes, the expansion of cycle paths and parking spaces and the introduction of electric buses in local public transport.

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Modular design

Modular construction is a construction technique in which buildings are assembled from prefabricated construction elements, or modules. These modules are prefabricated in factories or workshops and then transported to the construction site, where they are assembled into a finished building. Modules of different functions and sizes can be flexibly combined, resulting in faster construction times, reduced costs and greater construction efficiency. Modular buildings are also often easier to dismantle and extend, which enables sustainable and flexible construction. However, modular construction can also bring design constraints and limited flexibility to make changes. There can also be transportation costs and quality control issues, which can increase overall costs and make it difficult to adapt to local conditions.

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Sustainable architecture

Sustainable architecture strives to design buildings that are ecologically, economically and socially compatible. This includes the integration of environmentally friendly building materials and technologies, the maximization of energy efficiency and the reduction of resource consumption in order to create healthy and comfortable living and working spaces. The aim is to minimize the ecological impact of buildings over their entire life cycle and to make a positive contribution to the environment and the quality of life of residents and users. This includes the use of renewable energies such as solar or geothermal energy, the integration of passive design principles such as natural ventilation and the use of daylight, as well as the use of environmentally friendly building materials such as recycled wood or clay. In addition, green roofs, rainwater harvesting systems and energy-efficient building technology can be implemented to further reduce the ecological footprint.

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Sustainability

Sustainability means that the needs of the present generation are met without jeopardizing the opportunities of future generations. This includes the consideration of ecological, social and economic aspects in order to achieve a balance between environmental protection, social justice and economic development.

In the context of buildings, sustainability means the design, construction and use of buildings taking into account resource efficiency, environmental protection, social inclusion and economic viability. It strives to create energy-efficient, healthy and comfortable buildings that leave a minimal ecological footprint and promote the quality of life of the occupants in the long term.

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Low-energy house

A low-energy house is a building that is characterized by high energy efficiency and has a low energy requirement compared to conventional buildings. It is characterized by effective thermal insulation, airtight construction, high-quality windows and efficient building technology, resulting in low heating and cooling costs. The aim of a low-energy house is to reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions and make a contribution to climate protection. Despite their advantages, however, they can be associated with higher construction costs, potential moisture problems and design restrictions.

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Life cycle assessment

The life cycle assessment, also known as life cycle analysis (LCA), is a method for evaluating the environmental impact of a product or process over its entire life cycle. It takes into account resource consumption, emissions and waste streams from the extraction of raw materials through production and use to disposal or recycling. The aim is to identify environmentally relevant hotspots and promote sustainable alternatives.

Life cycle assessment in the context of buildings refers to the comprehensive evaluation of the environmental impact of a building throughout its entire life cycle. This includes the analysis of resource consumption, emissions and waste streams from the extraction of raw materials for building materials through the construction phase, use and operation of the building to disposal or recycling at the end of its life.

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Passive house

A passive house is a building that has a very low energy requirement and obtains the majority of its heating and cooling energy from passive sources such as solar radiation, waste heat from people and electrical appliances and heat recovery from ventilation. Passive houses are characterized by a high level of thermal insulation, airtight construction, high-quality windows and a controlled ventilation system with heat recovery. The aim of a passive house is to drastically reduce energy consumption and offer a high level of living comfort with minimal operating costs. Passive houses can initially incur higher construction costs due to their complex design and high-quality materials. In addition, the strict airtight construction method requires careful planning and execution in order to avoid moisture problems and mold growth.

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Photovoltaics

Photovoltaics (PV) refers to the conversion of sunlight into electrical energy using solar cells made from semiconductor materials such as silicon. These solar cells generate direct current, which is converted into alternating current using an inverter. The electrical energy generated in this way can be fed into the power grid or used directly in buildings. Photovoltaic systems are a sustainable and renewable energy source that helps to reduce the need for conventional fossil fuels and cut greenhouse gas emissions.

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Primary energy demand

The primary energy demand is the total amount of energy required to supply a building or system with energy. This includes the energy to extract, convert, distribute and ultimately use the various energy sources. Energy sources can be fossil fuels (e.g. oil and natural gas), renewable energy and electricity. The primary energy demand is an important indicator of the energy efficiency of a building or system and plays a decisive role in the assessment of sustainability and environmental compatibility.

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Rainwater utilization

Rainwater harvesting refers to the collection, storage, treatment and reuse of rainwater for various purposes such as irrigation, toilet flushing, washing and cleaning. This helps to conserve drinking water resources, reduce wastewater volumes and reduce the load on the sewage system. Rainwater harvesting is a sustainable method that contributes to the efficient use of water resources and reduces the environmental impact of buildings. By implementing rainwater harvesting systems, buildings can reduce their dependence on the public water supply and cut costs at the same time. In addition, the use of rainwater helps to create a closed water cycle, which is particularly beneficial in dry regions or during periods of drought.

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Sponge city

A sponge city is an urban environment characterized by a variety of measures for sustainable rainwater management. These include the creation of green spaces, parks, green roofs and infiltration systems. These measures are designed to retain, infiltrate and reuse rainwater to reduce flooding and promote groundwater. Sponge cities are designed to mimic natural water cycles while increasing resilience to the effects of climate change by effectively managing surface water and integrating it into the ecosystem. This requires integrated urban planning and neighborhood development that incorporates sponge city principles into the design and development of urban areas.

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Sector coupling

Sector coupling refers to the linking of different energy and economic sectors, in particular electricity, heat and transport, in order to improve the efficiency of the energy supply and increase the proportion of renewable energies. One example of this is the use of surplus electricity from wind or solar energy to electrolyze water in order to use hydrogen as a clean fuel for mobility or to generate heat. Through sector coupling, such synergies can be used to make the energy system more flexible and sustainable.

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Urban density

Urban density refers to the population density and building density in urban areas. It is often defined as a measure of the number of people per square kilometer or the number of buildings per hectare. Higher urban density can lead to more efficient use of resources and infrastructure, shorter commutes and easier access to services. However, this can also lead to challenges such as traffic congestion, air pollution and a lack of green space, which is why balanced planning and design is required.

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Heat pump

A heat pump is a technical device for converting thermal energy from a lower temperature into thermal energy at a higher temperature. It uses the principle of thermodynamic heat compression to extract environmental heat from the air, water or ground and use it for heating and hot water purposes. Heat pumps are an efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional heating systems, as they use environmental heat and can therefore reduce energy consumption. However, the purchase and installation costs for heat pumps are often higher than for conventional heating systems. Efficiency can also vary depending on the location and operating conditions.

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Water efficiency

Water efficiency refers to the effective use of water resources to minimize water consumption and meet the demand for water for various purposes. This includes the reduction of water waste and the use of water-saving technologies and devices. Water efficiency contributes to ensuring the availability of clean water for current and future generations by targeting water-efficient irrigation systems in agriculture and water-conscious practices in industry and households.

In the construction industry, it plays a central role through the development and use of water-efficient building materials and construction techniques to minimize water demand during the building process. Certain building materials and appliances can also reduce water efficiency during the subsequent use phase. Examples of this are water-saving sanitary fittings and water-permeable paving stones or concrete that allow rainwater to seep away and prevent flooding.

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Zero-Waste

The zero-waste principle aims to reduce waste to an absolute minimum. Products, resources and materials should be designed, manufactured and used in such a way that no waste is generated or that the waste generated is fed back into the production process. This holistic approach aims to use resources efficiently, minimize environmental impact and promote a sustainable circular economy.

In the construction industry, zero waste means minimizing construction waste by using resource-saving building materials and construction methods and actively promoting recycling and reuse options. The Cradle to Cradle approach, which aims for continuous cycles and the use of materials without loss of quality, can play a key role in the implementation of zero-waste principles in the construction industry.

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