Can the Netherlands lead the construction industry towards net zero? | FT Climate Capital

The UN has warned that energy use in the construction sector is at an all time high. While architects and developers juggle housing demands with attempts to turn a profit, the industry is falling behind in the race to net zero. But could sustainable building practices pave the way to a more climate-conscious future? The FT’s Leyla Boutlon meets the Dutch architects pioneering the development of greener buildings.
#sustainability #architecture #construction
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[@i.k.8868]

Dutch urbanism is well developed. Amazing cycling infrastructure integrated with a well maintained public transport network. Broad and efficient waterways and superb highways. However, Dutch domestic architecture lags far behind other European countries, especially Sweden and Switzerland. Those countries have a more developed circular construction economy based on local timber and other natural products, and have adopted the 'passive house' norms. Local timber hasn't really been available in the Netherlands since the high middle ages when all the forests were felled. Also the Netherlands got lazy with architecture when we found huge natural gas reserves. Our standards for external wall insulation are significantly lower, and the quality of construction is even lower still (appalling in many cases, scary in some, dangerous in others). Also we have a tradition of building with 'cavity walls', which complicates renovation of existing housing stock built between say 1910 and 2010. I would say; Look to the Netherlands for what the city of the future should look like, and look to Sweden or Switzerland for the architecture of the future.

[@AbuSous2000PR]

Such ideas should get tax incentives... thx FT for the report

[@theo1170]

But what if a fire breaks out in one of those buildings?

[@timkarman1875]

Cross-laminated timber (CLT) is a type of engineered wood product made by stacking and gluing layers of wood veneers or boards in alternating directions. CLT is known for its structural strength and versatility, making it a popular choice for construction projects. While CLT itself is not inherently fire-resistant, it can be treated to improve its fire performance.

[@theo1170]

@@timkarman1875 Deeply appreciate the response to my question. I've often wondered about that factor in terms of wooden buildings. I just wonder how well it compares to traditional concrete and steel rebar.

[@timkarman1875]

CLT, or Cross-Laminated Timber, when treated appropriately, potentially surpassing steel in certain contexts and approaching the level of fire resistance found in concrete. This distinction arises from the unique behavior of each material when subjected to high temperatures.

[@qedqubit]

Like the Dutch government initiated the Wageningen University for Farming Technology, yielding the rest of the world greenhouse technology to produce a kilo of tomatoes from only 8 liters of water instead of a hundred; I guess all it needs for this to happen is the Dutch government to instigate an institution and build a University like Wageningen to lead the construction industry towards net zero ; preferrably in Dordrecht as it has no University, but lies between diverse centers of knowledge.-it would be possible.

[@gwho]

banning gas connection isn't an "incentive". It's an option removal

[@calorus]

If you are country which has none/not enough and your choice is either pay people you despise, who share none of your values, and wish your way of life ill -- or go without - it's a rational restriction.

[@danielcaceres9971]

I thought Copenhagen/ Denmark was ahead on this race

[@peet4921]

''climate emergency'' ''climate crisis'' There isn't one Einstein.

[@yd8874]

hypocrisy

[@agustinarcusa7696]

How is this the financial times? Zero finance all politics

[@gwho]

"digital twin" wow that is such a non-stem term. Actual engineers would call it a CAD model. of course one would exist. You don't build a building without planning one. And of course the plan would be in software, not paper. "digital twin" is for art majors and grandmas who just watch game shows

[@jizzlecizzle1388]

No. A ’digital twin’ is a digital model that is used to simulate behavior of the physical object as it faces environmental forces, for instance, how it ages, what's its energy consumption. The concept is used in a variety of industries, from construction to automotive and aerial (e.g.: planes) vehicles. These platforms are fed back data from usage of the object, via measures, some through IoT systems. They can, in turn, provide estimate of wear and tear, contribute to preventive maintenance.

[@dinte215]

​@@jizzlecizzle1388so in other words a CAD model. It's the same as the current buzz around replacing air-conditioning with heat pumps. Think about that for a moment, companies have fooled people and government into unnecessarily buying aircons by using their engineering name. 'I'm going green by replacing this aircon with a heat pump' it's the bloody same thing.