Eco-construction : a key-challenge for a sustainable future

As we strive towards a sustainable future, constructing buildings that are more environmentally friendly has become a necessity. But how can we improve the environmental quality of a project? From material selection to energy efficiency and eco-design, there are various ways to achieve ecological buildings.

Towards a global impact study of construction with RE 2020

The environmental regulation 2020 has replaced the 2012 thermal regulation (RT 2012) in new housing buildings since January 1st, 2022. While the RT 2012 focused primarily on reducing a building’s energy consumption, this is no longer the sole objective of the RE 2020. Now, ecological construction no longer refers solely to low-energy consumption buildings.

Continuing to improve the energy performance of buildings

Reducing energy consumption in new buildings remains a key objective of the RE 2020. The requirements for heating needs are strengthened so that the intrinsic qualities of the building do not require excessive energy consumption. This involves efficient insulation, thoughtful orientation, and controlled natural heat input.

The use of renewable energies is also encouraged, such as solar energy. The consumption of fossil primary energy is limited in the RE 2020.

Reducing the carbon footprint of construction

The construction and demolition phases of a building have a strong impact on the environment (transport, energy, materials manufacturing, waste production). Building an ecological building involves studying its entire life cycle, not just its period of use.

All initiatives to reduce the carbon footprint of construction, operation, or deconstruction are therefore appreciated: using bio-based (wood, hemp) or recycled materials, reducing water consumption during construction, selecting local suppliers, recovering rainwater, installing solar panels, etc.

Taking into account future climate conditions

New homes must also allow their occupants to live comfortably in all seasons. Increasingly frequent heatwaves require rethinking the composition of buildings to avoid energy overconsumption in summer due to air conditioning.

The notion of summer comfort then appears in RE 2020. The search for thermal inertia, the enhancement of green spaces, or even automated shading systems are possible design solutions.

Eco-design : a pillar of ecological building 

The design of an ecological building relies heavily on green architecture (or eco-design). It involves adapting the morphology and structure of a construction project to its environment, while reducing its impact and offering high energy performance. Here are some examples of considerations to be taken:

• Follow the natural slope of the terrain in the architecture of buildings;
• Analyze the shadow cast by the new building on neighboring structures;
• Adapt the orientation of the building to the available sunlight in a given geographic area;
• Pay special attention to the visual integration of the project into its immediate environment;
• Preserve natural resources and biodiversity by choosing a location conducive to urbanization;
• Imagine modular (and possibly reversible) buildings to avoid future renovation work;
• Prioritize disassembly over demolition for end-of-life structures.

The idea is to use the immediate environment of constructions as an asset (without altering it) or to identify its constraints as early as possible to take them into account in the project’s architecture. With eco-design, sustainability and functionality go hand in hand.

The importance of ecological construction in Real Estate development

Real estate development plays a significant role in shaping urban landscapes. By considering environmental issues in your operations, you can actively participate in the transition of the construction industry towards a more sustainable approach.

Embracing responsible, high-performance ecological buildings today is strongly encouraged for developers. In addition to enhancing your brand image among consumers, sustainable construction is gradually becoming the new indispensable way to build. Ecological standards are increasing, and communities are becoming more sensitive to the environmental impact of urbanization, resulting in the development of eco-neighborhoods.

Designing an ecological building is complex and requires thorough consideration of several factors. It can be time-consuming and require various competencies to consider all construction criteria to achieve an excellent outcome. Do not hesitate to equip yourself with efficient tools and/or surround yourself with qualified partners during your transition phase.

Looking to build an ecological building that meets the requirements of RE 2020? Look no further than Buildrz! Our app is designed to optimize your construction project to ensure it’s both environmentally responsible and efficient. With 3D visualization and easy communication with architects and local authorities, we make it easy to bring your vision to life. Contact us today to learn more and schedule a demo!