From Energy Saving to Plus Energy Settlements

Abstract

Against the background of sustainable urban development, eco-housing schemes have been discussed in Europe and worldwide for many years among professionals, politicians, and residents. While the first attempts made, tried to save energy by using natural building materials and adapting the building better to local climatic conditions, the recent examples have developed to high-tech plus energy buildings and entire settlements.
This paper will critically review the past 30-40 years of ecofriendly settlements in Germany. Out of meanwhile hunderts of different examples which can be found in all parts of the country, 3 are selected to exemplify the changing parameters for a state-of-the art eco-settlement as experienced in Germany. The intention is to give an insight into long-term, systematic steps of sustainable development in the field of housing and urban development in Germany. Standards have been tested and improved continiously and efforts made in Germany have become a model for many other countries worldwide.
The paper is based on literature review and on various site visits of the selected examples where the author had the opportunity to also meeting the urban planners, architects and local residents of the respective settlements.