Building for the Future

We are currently facing our most immediate planetary threat: the climate crisis. Global temperatures have risen dramatically – already by more than 1.1 degrees Celsius (°C) compared to pre-industrial levels. This may not seem significant, but the consequences of even a small increase in global temperatures are devastating. It puts immense pressure on the delicate balance of our planet.

One of the key factors in global warming is the way we build

The construction and operation of buildings and infrastructure, including the production and transport of materials, account for nearly 40 per cent of global CO2 emissions. At the same time, there is a high demand for construction and renovation – an additional 2.2 billion people are expected to live in cities by 2050. If we persist with present-day construction methods and materials, the environmental consequences will be dramatic.

Building for the Future introduces the concept of a regenerative built environment as an alternative approach to how we currently design and build our cities. This idea advocates practices that not only reverse the existing damage, but also replenish our natural ecosystems. Our first knowledge product series, titled ‘Setting the Frame’, presents crucial facts and figures about the built environment as a major contributor to the climate crisis and introduces the vision of a regenerative built environment. To gain a deeper understanding of how to put the concept of a regenerative built environment into action, the second series will delve into the scale of regenerative buildings, neighbourhoods and cities, as well as regions. It will provide an overview of key developments, concepts, and potential courses of action.

Download the first Knowledge Product here: “Climate Crisis and the Role of the Built Environment”

Download the second Knowledge Product here: “How to Fix the Built Environment System”

Download the third Knowledge Product here: “The Vision of a Regenerative Built Environment”

The Toni Piëch Foundation is supporting the production of the first two series. If you are interested in contributing to subsequent series, or would like to host an event or webinar on ‘Building for the Future’, please contact us at contact(.at.)bauhauserde.org.