Isamuddin Ibrahim’s Post

We're excited to showcase innovative strategies from The Building Playbook, supporting the City of Austin's climate goals through low carbon retrofitting. Here are three of the guidelines that support cost-effective decarbonization in existing buildings: Stimulate Sustainable Behavior 🌿 Achieving sustainability in retrofitted buildings hinges on occupant behavior. By engaging users through education, gamification, and real-time energy use visualization, we can significantly reduce carbon emissions. This is exemplified by Danish solutions like proprty.ai, which uses artificial intelligence to automate property maintenance, providing predictive plans that defer renovations and maximize CO2 savings, significantly reducing emissions. Enhance Passive Design Measures 🌱 Increasing reliance on passive design in construction and retrofitting is key to sustainable building practices and reducing carbon emissions. Passive design strategies maximize natural light, minimize heat gain, and optimize building orientation to create comfortable indoor environments with minimal mechanical systems. Leading companies like Ramboll illustrate this with their Ev0 Building in the UK, which sets a new standard using timber, low-carbon concrete, and optimized façade designs, generating 94% of its energy on-site and storing approximately 4000 tons of CO2. Stimulate Transformation of Existing Buildings 🍀 Retrofitting existing buildings is essential for sustainability, reducing carbon emissions, and maximizing urban infrastructure longevity. Strategic planning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and policy support are crucial for successful transformations. SHL - Schmidt Hammer Lassen demonstrated this by revitalizing the historic Boston Commonwealth Pier, transforming it into modern, functional spaces while preserving its historical structures. By avoiding demolition, we conserve energy and preserve historical and cultural value. Explore these solutions further in the link below and join us in promoting sustainable urban development! https://lnkd.in/dh4Mg_MP Austin Energy I Danish Industry I BLOXHUB I 3XN/GXN I Danish Energy Agency

In a reflective tone, allow me to share my journey into the realm of buildings service engineering, which commenced in 1981, a time when the term itself was not yet coined. Fueled by optimism, I embarked on this path, envisioning a future where the last stronghold of design—the building services—could be streamlined to ensure both comfort and economic viability with minimal intervention. Fast forward some 40 years, and amidst the discourse of achieving net zero carbon (a concept still seeking clear definition), I find myself pondering: what lessons has our industry truly imbibed? As I prepare to bid farewell to the realm of design and transition to supporting the premier software, IES, on our planet—a venture somewhat tangential to this discourse—I implore you, fellow designers, to contemplate the ramifications of your decisions on the end users of our buildings. It is my humble plea that through conscientious design choices, we may effect tangible change in reducing our emissions and shaping a more sustainable future.

The researchers of Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft are developing a handheld measuring system that collects and analyzes building information in real time.  #smartbuilding #buildingmanagement #smarthome #smartoffice #buildingautomation #bim

A lot of people I talk to are skeptical about the value add of #DesignForDisassembly (#DfD) until the building's "end of life". While DfD benefits the owners and occupiers of buildings throughout their #lifecycle, with less expensive and less disruptive repairs and renovations, plus easier #retrofits and #adaptations to new uses, the sad truth is that most buildings don't reach their "end of life". #LandUseChanges are responsible for the removal of most buildings, and those changes can come at any point in a building's lifecycle. As it did for these four houses constructed less than 10 years ago in 2016. Happily these four will be relocated, but many of the houses removed to make way for new development are not candidates for relocation and will be demolished, with minimal recovery of their materials. It takes decades to "work off" the embodied carbon of building materials through increases in energy performance, and having been built to a similar energy performance standard, the "energy efficiency" argument doesn't fly when we're churning through our buildings so quickly. We need to transition to a #CircularBuiltEnvironment. #BCIT is providing a path forward, building capacity within the industry to deliver a #CBE. Learn about #BuildingRelocation, #Deconstruction, #DesignForDisassembly and the current reality of the life expectancy of building materials, in the Applied Circular Economy: Zero Waste Buildings micro-credential: Construction Material Flows: https://lnkd.in/gDgEWRbA Design for Disassembly: https://lnkd.in/giW6cg64 Deconstruction Management: https://lnkd.in/gMXQHu63 Image credit: Nickel Bros.

Seven Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft institutes have teamed up to work on the BAU-DNS flagship project. Their stated aim is to redesign Germany’s existing buildings to pave the way for the future — and to do it quickly and with minimal use of resources in every way. #smartbuilding #excitingbuildings #smarthome #buildingautomation #buildinamangement #futurecities #smartoffice

The Key to Reaching Net-Zero by 2050: A Revolutionary Approach As the global climate crisis escalates every year, the urgent challenge is clear: achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Traditional construction methods are a significant part of the problem, responsible for 39% of all CO2 emissions through energy-intensive processes and long-term inefficiencies & waste. The core issue extends beyond just emissions—traditional construction projects are plagued by cost and time overruns, going significantly over budget in 79% of cases and exceeding timelines in over 91% of projects. The key lies in the solution to both of these problems : a highly efficient home designed at an international production scalability. To be more exact, the key lies in the synergy of these two innovative movements: The Passive House Principles (efficiency) & The Prefabricated Design (scalability). However, combining the complexities of prefab factory design with the incredibly strict Passivhaus principles presents its own set of challenges, this is the reason we have not seen such buildings so far. Enter: MODULAR MODULAR is a revolutionary shift in how we think about buildings. Using lean production and passive house principles, MODULAR solves both of the main problems with traditional construction. It sequesters carbon through its use of over 90% organic materials and consumes up to 95% less energy. All of this at the production time of days not years. And homes are just the beginning. To fully align MODULAR with future demands, we will realize the potential of multi-story buildings, ultimately leading to the MODULAR skyscrapers. Let’s revolutionize construction and build the future together! Learn more about MODULAR at www.biobuilds.com #netzero #2050 #modular #prefab #passivhaus

Unseen Changes in Construction 🌿🏗️ We face a unique moment in history, where every industry bears the responsibility of reducing its carbon footprint for a sustainable future, and the construction sector is a significant player in this global effort. So, how can we, as industry professionals, contribute to a greener tomorrow? Firstly, sustainable materials are game-changers. By opting for timber from responsibly managed forests over concrete, we can drastically cut down CO2 emissions. Moreover, innovations like rammed earth or recycled building materials not only lower environmental impact but can also cut costs. Secondly, technology is our ally in sustainability. With tools like Building Information Modelling (BIM), we can perfect designs to minimize waste before construction begins. Meanwhile, energy-efficient machinery and solar-powered equipment are paving the way to greener job sites. Thirdly, the longevity and energy efficiency of our buildings can't be an afterthought. Energy-saving designs, green roofs, and smart insulation are more than just trends—they're necessities. Incorporating these from the planning phase ensures our buildings are part of the solution, not the problem. It's not just about building; it's about inspiring change and setting a precedent for eco-conscious construction. Share your stride towards #GreenConstruction, and let's transform our skyline into a testament of environmental stewardship. #SustainableBuilding #EcoConstruction #FutureOfBuilding

𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝗧𝗼𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗿𝗼𝘄 In today's world, where climate change and environmental degradation demand immediate action, incorporating sustainable practices into our designs and projects is crucial. According to UNEP, the buildings and construction sector is by far the largest emitter of greenhouse gases, accounting for a staggering 37% of global emissions. This is more than a trend—it's an essential progression to reduce our carbon footprint and foster a healthier planet. By embracing green building practices, using eco-friendly materials, and integrating renewable energy sources, we can create structures that are not only innovative and beautiful, but also environmentally responsible. Sustainability encompasses more than just energy efficiency. It includes water conservation, waste reduction, and creating healthier indoor environments. One of the most exciting aspects of this sustainable revolution is the role of technology. Advanced tools like Building Information Modelling (BIM), energy-efficient systems, and smart technologies enable us to design buildings that are resilient and adaptive to changing environmental conditions. These innovations help us explore new possibilities in sustainable architecture. Sustainable architecture is also about retrofitting and repurposing existing buildings. By giving old structures new life through sustainable upgrades, we preserve cultural heritage and reduce the need for new resources. As a part of the architectural industry, we have a responsibility to advocate for and implement sustainable practices in all our projects. Let's continue to collaborate, innovate, and lead by example. Together, we can create a built environment that is both beautiful and sustainable, ensuring a healthier planet for future generations. At CADBricks, we believe in sustainable development and the power of Building Information Modeling (BIM) to achieve it. Get in touch with us to discuss how we can work together to build a greener future. Contact us at www.cadbricks.com to get started. #𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 #𝗔𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 #𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 #𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 #𝗘𝗰𝗼𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗹𝘆 #𝗥𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘄𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗘𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆 #𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻 #𝗘𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 #𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗢𝗳𝗔𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲

#tstransition Felix Thumm: The Case for Robustness – Gap-Free Building Performance I am convinced that we must design buildings in such a way that they have a positive impact on the global climate, meaning they must be able to offset their CO2 emissions over their entire lifecycle. We can achieve this through robust buildings that deliver on their promises. Robustness relies on people interacting with buildings as active users once again, rather than leaving everything to machines. To this end, communicating clear expectations regarding the quality of stay plays a significant role in overall building performance and user satisfaction. Synergetic spatial planning, facade design, and the appropriate use of materials have the potential to create the necessary flexibility – solutions do not have to be purely technical. I take great joy in working with builders and clients who are bold enough to embrace unconventional paths. I am passionate about developing innovative ideas within a project team and am always eager to take on the role of questioning established practices, driven to find the best possible solution and generate added value. We need creative solutions, as buildings with complex technology often suffer from a so-called "performance gap" – a difference between the expected, calculated performance and its actual performance. For robust buildings, less is more. With a ‘mechanization made-to-measure’ approach, it is much easier to get it right – resulting in a closing of the gap. If we have the courage to continuously question conventional views – moving away from the mindset of "this is how we've always done it" – innovative ideas can emerge that combine comfort with efficiency. The courage for robustness in building design can turn expectations into reality. This is my path to climate neutrality in the construction sector. Felix Thumm is one of the ten new Associate Partners who will acquire shares in Transsolar and Transplan in the near future. With the ten new Associate Partners, we begin to diversify and build a solid foundation on which the generational transition can advance in a continuous and open way.

Insights from a Passivhaus Development Visit Yesterday, I explored a Passivhaus development in Nailsea—an enlightening experience that highlighted the challenges of achieving such a high standard of building. Achieving Passivhaus certification isn’t a walk in the park. The stringent requirements demand meticulous attention to detail, from insulation to airtightness and everything in between. Witnessing these complexities first hand highlighted the immense effort required to meet these standards by the industry as a collective. Surprisingly, there’s still a gap in understanding among professionals. The on-site contractor continuously adapted, problem-solved, and sought solutions. More education and awareness are needed across the whole industry not only to deliver Passivhaus but also other sustainability frameworks.   The entire process was a learning journey and some unpredicted complications came up. When things didn’t go as planned, the whole team, including architects and engineers analysed what went wrong and iterated to improve. This trial-and-error approach mirrors how most learning happens in most areas—it’s about embracing opportunities and refining our methods. We need more opportunities to bridge this divide.    As we move toward more high-spec buildings and sustainable construction, I asked a question of the contractor -    - How will your business adapt to the need for more higher-spec buildings and what difficulties does this pose? - The contractor responded that adapting won’t be easy. These projects are rare, and each one brings unknowns and coordination challenges. The gap between theory (on paper) and practice (on-site) is vast.   To sustain the industry, upskilling is crucial. Passivhaus and other high-performance standards require a shift in mindset and expertise. So in reality, it’s not just about individual projects—it’s about transforming the entire industry.   Interestingly, natural materials weren’t involved in this Passivhaus project. Access to such materials remains limited due to factors like insurance considerations, pricing, and guarantees. While Passivhaus exemplifies what’s possible, addressing these limitations is essential for broader adoption. In summary, let’s collectively continue to question what we do and always aim for better—one retrofit and one holistically sustainable project at a time. Thank you to The Green Register and Stonewood Homes Ltd for organising and taking us around the development. #retrofit #passivhaus #sustainabledesign #architecture #construction