Stakeholder Workshop on Building within Boundaries in cooperation with Berlin Partner
As part of the sbe22 berlin conference, a two-hour co-design workshop on Building within Planetary Boundaries was held on 22 September 2022. ECCC researchers interested in climate action in the construction sector and members of Berlin Partner jointly explored what Berlin industry can contribute to climate change mitigation in the construction sector and how science and research can support it.
The workshop participants represented a wide variety of stakeholders in the Berlin construction industry, including not only established companies and successful start-ups but also government and research institutions. The event was designed by Prof. Timothée Ingen-Housz and Paola Perrin de Brichambaut, both research partners at the Berlin University of the Arts for the future Einstein Center for Climate Change.
© Timothée Ingen-Housz
A number of scenarios for the future of the Berlin construction industry were presented during the workshop. These were then discussed and tested by the participants, both in small groups and in plenary. One narrative was about how building materials can be digitalized in order to achieve a circular economy. During the discussion about a database of materials and the cyclical reuse of resources, it quickly became clear that there were technical solutions, as well as a strong interest in recycled building materials. However, participants also explained that, despite the high demand, limited supply and complex bureaucratic processes made it difficult to resell their own materials for reuse. Data protection in Germany was also addressed in relation to this scenario, and was perceived as problematic at times.
Another scenario looked at how forestry and agriculture could be connected with infrastructure to facilitate the extraction of wood. A number of participants criticized monocultural forestry models and called for the concept presented to include alternative renewable building materials, such as hemp or fungi.
During the workshop, the individual actors and participants found points of engagement, presented existing solutions for potential technical challenges, and formulated clear demands for policymakers and industry. Many of the participants expressed a strong interest in holding in another workshop.
This transdisciplinary workshop initiates a knowledge network among scientists, researchers and stakeholders in industry, civil society, and government. It is set to continue in January 2023 and is part of the two-year preparatory phase for the Einstein Center Climate Change and Public Policy of Human Settlement (in planning).