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Introduction
Die SIERA Impact Webinar – Renovating for Resilience focused on how building refurbishment can play a decisive role in achieving climate goals, cutting operational costs, and future-proofing infrastructure. With buildings accounting for nearly 40% of raw material use and more than 30% of global CO₂ emissions, sustainable refurbishment is no longer optional—it is essential.
Why Renovation Matters
Buildings form the backbone of urban life but are also one of the most resource-intensive sectors. Without targeted interventions, they will continue to drive both environmental degradation and higher energy costs.
Outdated and inefficient buildings:
- Accelerate climate change through excessive energy consumption
- Generate high operating costs for owners and occupants
- Undermine urban resilience during heatwaves, storms, and flooding
- Contribute to air pollution and poor indoor environmental quality
Refurbishment strategies directly target these weaknesses, turning energy-intensive structures into efficient, sustainable assets.
Key Challenges in Building Refurbishment
Despite the opportunities, building refurbishment is complex. Technical, regulatory, and cultural barriers often make the process difficult, requiring innovative solutions that balance sustainability with practical feasibility.
- Environmental strain: Aging buildings consume up to 72% of electricity and remain major CO₂ emitters.
- Heritage preservation vs. efficiency: Restrictions on insulation, glazing, and solar panels make upgrades complex while requiring respect for cultural identity.
- Aging infrastructure risks: Outdated systems, fragile structures, and missing documentation create cost and safety challenges.
- Regulatory compliance: EU directives, such as the Building Energy Act, Renovation Wave, and EU Taxonomy, shape design choices and funding access.
Opportunities from Sustainable Refurbishment
Refurbishment doesn’t just solve existing problems—it unlocks long-term benefits for owners, occupants, and cities. By combining energy efficiency with policy incentives, it becomes a catalyst for both sustainability and economic growth.
- Funding & Policy Alignment: EU and national programs provide subsidies and tax incentives to make upgrades financially viable.
- Energy Efficiency Gains: Deep retrofits cut heating and cooling demand, achieving 25–70% savings depending on building type.
- Resilience & Comfort: Green roofs, façades, and upgraded HVAC systems improve climate adaptation and indoor living conditions.
- Property Value Upswing: Energy class upgrades can raise market value by up to 18% in major cities.
Solutions for Long-Term Resilience
Effective refurbishment requires a combination of technical upgrades, digital innovation, and design strategies that support sustainability while reducing long-term risks.
| Solution Area | Benefits |
| Pollutant Analysis | Identifies asbestos, lead, mold, ensuring safe refurbishment and cost control. |
| Energy-Efficient HVAC Systems | Reduces heating/cooling demand by 30–60% while improving air quality. |
| Envelope Upgrades | Improved insulation, airtightness, and glazing reduce operational energy demand. |
| Digital Tools (AI & Sustain Suite) | Enable data-driven compliance, predictive maintenance, and ESG optimization. |
| Nature-Based Design | Green roofs, façades, and vegetation reduce overheating, enhance biodiversity, and improve water retention. |
| Circular Economy Approaches | Material reuse, modular components, and design for disassembly lower future resource demand. |
Looking Ahead
Sustainable building refurbishment integrates technology, regulation, and social responsibility. By combining energy efficiency upgrades, circular economy principles, and nature-based solutions, refurbishment becomes a cornerstone of climate neutrality strategies while protecting communities from displacement.
Stay engaged with the SIERA Impact Series and access upcoming sessions in the Veranstaltungskalender here: siera-alliance.com/event-calendar
