The new German government recently signed a coalition agreement. This new roadmap proposes, among other things, to simplify building regulations, make housing affordable, and promote the use of renewable energy. Many of the recommendations related to construction and housing are measures that the building biology community has been demanding for a long time. The IBN wishes the new government every success in implementing these changes. Here are some quotes:
“Germany must take bold steps to speed up the planning process and construction. A fundamental overhaul of planning, building, environmental, procurement, and procedural laws is needed…”
“We want to make housing affordable, available, and environmentally friendly for everyone…”
“We will strengthen urban development in our country, especially in rural areas, combat vacancies in structurally weak regions, strengthen city centers and social infrastructure, and adapt them to climate change and accessibility.”
“Building regulations will be simplified and a Building Type E will be introduced.” (Building Type E = a simple, experimental, and efficient way of building)
“We will introduce an end-of-life waste regulation in the Substitute Building Materials Ordinance and enable the necessary facilities for the increased use of recycled building materials. We will develop action plans for bio-based and energy-intensive building materials…”
“The promotion of solar energy in connection with storage facilities will be designed in such a way that the entire energy system benefits. We want to make private households active participants in their own energy supply. We will simplify registration procedures…”