Material cycles in the real estate industry: How does a building become sustainable?

Who considers the fact that a building will eventually be gutted and torn down when it is being constructed? At the moment, few experts in the construction industry, yet consideration of change should play a major role in their field – says Professor Dr.-Ing. Konrad Nübel from the Chair of Construction Process Management, Building and Real Estate at the Technical University of Munich (TUM). In a master class presented by TUM Institute for LifeLong Learning, he discussed central issues of sustainability in construction. Starting this September, executives can qualify themselves for the challenging task of creating more value in their company through the certificate program “Sustainable Real Estate”.

Real estate continues to attract investors despite inflation and rising interest rates. “Demand remains high because the population is growing, and the topic of sustainability is growing in importance,” says Professor Dr.-Ing. Konrad Nübel from the Chair of Construction Process Management, Building and Real Estate at the Technical University of Munich (TUM). Prof. Nübel explained in an online masterclass what it means to construct a building sustainably, operate it, recycle it afterwards and reintroduce it into the material cycle. He provided a preview of the Sustainable Real Estate certificate program, which will be offered by the TUM Institute for LifeLong Learning starting this year.

Effort for disposal is significant

During the online session, Prof. Nübel used thethe help of a series of videos to illustrate the value chain in the construction sector. Numerous specialists from construction and demolition companies gave their views in the films. Nübel: “Planning turns into building, abstraction turns into physical reality. The structure, whether it’s a bridge or a residential building, is individually designed for its intended use and location.” He emphasized, “The goals of use can change over time. These days, new construction often involves demolishing or converting an old building. Disposal results in considerable expense due to the materials used, which, in some cases such as asbestos, can even be hazardous.

Nübel: Integrate the know-how of construction companies

That’s why, according to the professor, it’s worth thinking about the end of a project when it begins, which in turn can be the start of a new construction project. ” So far, the know-how of construction companies on how materials can be disposed of or recycled – or what alternatives are available – has rarely been incorporated into the planning,” Konrad Nübel explained. He made a strong case for buildings to be composed of modules and for construction companies to be involved in order to create a sustainable value-added process.

In the discussion, it became clear that it can also be beneficial for investors to have a building certified according to ESG criteria  (Environmental, social and Governance) such as energy efficiency, occupational safety or corporate values. According to one participant in the discussion, appropriate buildings not only promote the image of the company, they also  potentially make them easier to resell because they comply with upcoming political requirements.

Finding solutions for the value creation process

The new certificate program “Sustainable Real Estate” of the TUM Institute for LifeLong Learning is about how colleagues from different disciplines in the construction industry can jointly find solutions for a sustainable value creation process. Starting in September 2022, it will be offered to graduates and experienced decision-makers in the construction and real estate industry. Participants will focus on the planning and conceptual development process and, in future modules, on topics such as construction technology, digitalization, and stakeholder analysis. The program will take place online, hybrid and on-site in Munich until March 2023. It is expected that the program will be expanded into a master’s degree program in the future.

All information about the certificate program “Sustainable Real Estate” of the TUM Institute for LifeLong Learning, including discounts and scholarships, can be found here.

Natascha Plankermann