Resources & circularity
2 minutes min

Increased lifetime and use rate

Green buildings

 

Extending the useful life of buildings helps ensuring that resources are exploited to their maximum capacity. As unpredictable events become more frequent because of climate change, increasing building resilience and adaptability is key. 

Did you know?

15.6%

Global office vacancy in 2022

FAQ

What is building resilience?

Characterized by 4 features:

  • Robustness: ability to maintain critical operations and functions in case of crisis

  • Resourcefulness: ability to prepare for, respond to and manage a crisis

  • Rapid recovery: ability to return to normal operations as quickly and efficiently as possible after a disruption

  • Redudancy: back-up resources available to support the originals in case of failure

What is building flexibility? 

  • Definition: flexibility helps prepare for known needs for change or possible unknown needs for change (ISO 20887, 2020). Building is easily adapted to changes, either in its purpose or coming from external conditions (e.g. climate change)

  • Adaptation not only in buildings' structure, also in converting the used space to a new purpose

  • Long-term benefits: prolongation of building lifetime, better service for occupants, reduction of carbon footprint compared to demolition and construction of a new building

How to increase building lifetime and use rate? 

  • Need for high flexibility: buildings can be changed during their useful life. 

  • Changes needed to design more flexible buildings, on 3 main aspects:

    • changes to the internal space distribution: column grid spans, internal wall system, ...

    • changes to the buildings servicing: easy access to service ducts, higher ceilings for service routes, ...

    • changes to the buildings façade and structure: non load-bearing façade, structural design to support future expansion, ...

How do we contribute? 

Our available solutions:

  • Modular or offsite solutions

  • Bespoke or cut-to-length services

  • Lightweight construction