Bayer’s office building in Diegem, Belgium, consumes 40 percent less energy than a conventional building.
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has issued an appeal for the climate protection potential of buildings to be better utilized. Buildings account for roughly one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions. Speaking in Leverkusen, Arab Hoballah, member of the Board of the UNEP Sustainable Buildings and Climate Initiative (SBCI), said that the primary need is to raise the awareness of policymakers, market actors and other stakeholders of the need for sustainable construction and the opportunities it affords. Leverkusen was the venue for the SBCI Annual General Meeting and Symposium on Sustainable Buildings, which was held in Germany for the first time. The event was hosted by SBCI member Bayer MaterialScience.
Hoballah told the roughly 150 experts from around the world that many stakeholders remain unaware of the viability of sustainable construction as a business model. He said environmentally friendly buildings not only help to conserve energy and avoid emissions of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, but also improve people’s quality of life. “Working in sustainable offices and factories is definitely good for your health.”
Patrick Thomas, Chairman of the Board of Management of Bayer MaterialScience, pointed out the importance of materials that provide effective insulation against heat and cold. “Insulating boards made of rigid polyurethane foam save around 70 times more energy during their service life than is required for their production.”