European Lead Market Initiative and Sustainable Construction

Sustainable Construction (SC) is one of six lead markets in the EU which have been selected for their high potential of innovation and market growth. Within the lead market initiative (LMI) for Europe individual action plans of 3-5 years were developed to support the lead markets by innovation-friendly and barrier-reducing policy instruments. One barrier is the high market fragmentation and high administrative costs due to uncoordinated regulation on different levels. Taking Germany as an example the framework for SC is analyzed with respect to public and private measures and initiatives. The establishment of a national strategy for SC coordinated on national level by a public central body is determined as one central element to reduce administrative burdens and to optimize and communicate initiatives and public research activities. To support SC a consistent national regulatory framework is essential, including functional, performance-based building related regulations, concentrating on certain objectives through the optimization of the planning process and by looking at the structure as a whole. A widening of the current approach which focuses strongly on energy efficiency, technical issues and construction products by social, cultural and aesthetic aspects and a more integrated approach are requested. ... mehrA single national building evaluation system including LCA is been figured out as an important driving force for SC.