Jochen Schenk, CEO of Real I.S. says that there is much more that the real estate sector can do to contribute towards carbon neutrality. In view of the EU climate targets and increasing regulation, it has no other choice but to develop optimised construction methods and review its use of conventional materials, many of which are harmful to the environment.
The greatest potential for CO2 reduction is in the existing building stock, including through recycling or reuse of structures and materials. There are already a number of research projects in this field, but material conservation and reduction of CO2 emissions in the context of a circular economy must be significantly stepped up. This will benefit not only the real estate sector, but society as a whole. The aim of the EU taxonomy and the increased subsidies for construction and renovation is to enable the transition to a carbon-neutral construction sector.
It is now time for transnational collaboration among r
