Digital information and education platform – transfer of information and experience on CO2-neutral buildings

Keywords: resource efficiency, optimization of closed-loop recycling and recycling options, qualification, digitalization

Subject and objectives of the project

The construction sector in the Czech Republic faces similar challenges to those in other regions of the European Union. The proportion of unrenovated buildings is very high and fossil fuels are predominantly used. In order to drive forward the transformation of the construction sector in line with the EU’s Green Deal, knowledge transfer to architects, planners and building owners is particularly important. In order to efficiently transfer knowledge from Germany to the Czech Republic in this sense, a digital platform was developed within the project, which prepares video reports and e-books on best practice examples of innovative projects for climate and resource-friendly construction from Germany. The communication of examples of good practice took into account the latest developments and findings in the planning of new and old buildings as well as current trends. The aim was to raise awareness of the problems of climate change and biodiversity as well as possible solutions for the use of building materials and technologies over the entire life cycle. Both renovations and new buildings were considered in order to cover the widest possible range of examples. A novelty for the Czech Republic was the preparation of model projects that not only demonstrate energy efficiency, but also the careful use of material resources and the path to a circular economy. Both the German partner and the Czech cooperation partner contributed the necessary expertise to select the ten most promising projects in collaboration with the advisory board and to work out the relevant content of the projects in film contributions. This new way of presenting knowledge promises a low-threshold introduction on the one hand and the possibility of comprehensive information and a holistic presentation of complex solutions on the other.

The renovation of existing buildings, the increase in the proportion of renewable energy sources and the use of renewable and recycled building materials were strengthened with this platform. The open exchange of information between research and practice and an acceleration of the transformation of the construction sector towards sustainable development was thus promoted in the Czech Republic.

Most educational offers in the Czech Republic focused in particular on the topics of energy efficiency, energy saving and energy-efficient renovation. However, there was a lack of systematic and holistic communication of motivating examples in this context. While the technological issues relating to the energy-efficient refurbishment of existing buildings and the construction of new buildings were demonstrated in model projects, the question of how the vast majority of existing buildings can achieve the goal of climate neutrality remained unanswered. Beyond the energy transformation, however, the task of reducing the extraction of material resources is much more challenging. To this end, motivating, innovative model projects were sought in Germany that use renewable raw materials and recyclates wherever possible.

Work steps:

1. Development of the digital information and education platform: microsite and link to www.pasivnidomy.cz with the presentation of project results (video reports, e-books, links to other examples of good practice, further tips and inspiration) and other examples of good practice already filmed and presented in Germany
2. Production of thematic popular science video reports on sustainable architecture on concrete, already completed or ongoing projects in Germany as examples of good practice and experience: ten video reports of 5-10 minutes in length according to a given structure and script. Each video report was accompanied by an e-book of 1-2 pages with the following information: Location, location and orientation, type of property and use, building techniques used, construction methods and building materials, key parameters (area, price, date of implementation), references to contractors*, manufacturers* of materials and technologies (including contact details).
3. Implementation of CPD discussion forums: Based on filmed video reports, two discussion forums were organized with around 80 people lasting 2.5 to 3 hours.

Tasks of the German partner:

• Identifying and selecting examples of good practice in Germany, coordinating the recording of video reports, contacting experts and participants, compiling comments and supplementary information for e-books and handing over the information to CPD for further processing and organization (translation, graphics, web, marketing),
• Identification of further examples of good practice (which have already been presented in Germany) and coordination of their publication on the digital information and education platform,
• Communication with the DBU during the preparation and implementation phase.

Innovation and exemplary nature of the project

The digital information and education platform is intended to be a model for other professional chambers and associations (other Czech organizations involved in sustainable construction), to network these organizations more closely and to raise awareness of issues relating to climate-friendly and resource-efficient construction. The following partners cooperated in the project:

• Czech Chamber of Architects
• Czech Chamber of Graduate Engineers and Technicians
• Opportunity for buildings
• Association for modern energy management
• Association of Energy Managers
• Czech Green Building Council

The results of the project can also contribute to on-site visits to the building and to a rethink in the planning and implementation of own projects by professionals and investors. The model character of the presented examples of good practice for architects and planners motivates them to plan / develop their own designs and plans, whereby the planners can be inspired by the processes, technologies and materials in order to transfer them to their own professional practice.

Special aspects of the project

The project promotes the level of knowledge and awareness in the field of buildings with low material and energy resource requirements. This will also positively influence progress in other areas of sustainable development such as a healthy environment, adaptation to climate change, carbon neutrality and others.

©

Patric Dreier

©

CPD

©

CPD

Funding topic 4: Climate and resource-friendly construction

Project implementation:

• Technical University of Berlin, Natural Building Lab, Department of Structural Design and Climate-Friendly Architecture
• Association Passive House Center (CPD) e. V., Brno, Czech Republic

Places of work: Czech Republic and Germany

Funding period: February 2022 to August 2023

Project costs: total volume: 183,170 euros, funding from DBU: 123,724 euros

DBU-AZ: 37956

Status: 26.08.2024

Cover picture: Patric Dreier