New construction sustainability Prof Matti Kokkala VTT Technical

New construction & sustainability Prof. Matti Kokkala VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland • “technology alone does not guarantee sustainability, but sustainability cannot be provided without technology” Prof. Matti Kokkala | VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland

Promising approaches? • passive house concept • low exergy heating/cooling – i. e. use of energy that cannot be used elsewhere • education of prospective home builders • community level optimisation: local energy production connected to the energy network Prof. Matti Kokkala | VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland

A culture for 'Life Cycle Costing’? • yes in theory, but practise based heavily on investment costs only • public-private partnerships with long term responsibility – positive examples but disagreement on economical rational (e. g a school in Espoo) • instruments for easier communication needed Prof. Matti Kokkala | VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland

Supply chain for delivery of a sustainable service? • not in the mainstream processes • market mechanisms do not work – the benefits not seen quick enough if typical rates for return on investment assumed • partial optimization, sub-contracting based on price • bonus systems in procurement still based on money saved Prof. Matti Kokkala | VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland

Market barriers & business opportunities • Difficult / impossible to buy – fact-based marketing needed; green image sufficient for a niche market only & education of the buyers – technology exists but not easy to find on the market • Traditions – change of processes taken as a disturbance • Time for efficient branding; better quality of life with economical solutions Prof. Matti Kokkala | VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland

What can governments do? • support education of all stakeholders • public procurement as a model: a must not an option! • require long-term liability on running/maintenance costs of all buildings • develop a European model regulation for sustainable construction Prof. Matti Kokkala | VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland

Conclusions • Seek for optimum on societal/community level instead of building/component level • Do anything to make purchase of a sustainable solution easier Prof. Matti Kokkala | VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland