ABSTRACT
One of the purposes of this volume is to build a bridge between the theoretical requirements for sustainability and some practical measures for planners, engineers, architects, and investors. The central question is how to increase the resource efficiency of construction. It is clear that human society needs to reduce the absolute burden on the environment of all construction activities while at the same time maintaining or even increasing material welfare and services provided to customers. In this chapter, actual policy targets will be presented and strategies for implementation will be compared. Empirical data on the material flows and resource intensity of the construction sector in Germany will be discussed. Examples for practical measures will be presented for the following constructionrelated activities:
• design of construction products and buildings; • materials management; • planning of infrastructure; • product, facility, and building management.
