Träber, Leonie

Diploma Thesis:
2043

Topic:
Sustainability of low tech buildings

Editor:
Leonie Träber

University Professor Responsible:
Univ.-Prof. Dr.-Ing. Dipl.-Wirt.-Ing. Jens Otto

Supervisor:
University Supervisor: Dipl.-Ing. Carolin Senkel

Editing Period:
02.05.2025 until 25.10.2025

Abstract:
This paper demonstrates the sustainability potential of low-tech buildings using a model-based life cycle analysis. The focus is on simple, robust and user-friendly systems and their impact in terms of materials, technology and systems. Methodologically, two functionally identical building models – a conventional reference building and a low-tech design – are compared in eLCA. This is followed by a sensitivity analysis with two paths: in the material path, only the exterior wall is varied, while in the technology path, the envelope remains constant and heating/ventilation variants are examined. The results show that low-tech significantly reduces the greenhouse potential compared to the reference building. The strongest lever lies in the technical building equipment, while the choice of materials makes a relevant second contribution. Despite limitations due to typology and data sets, the results confirm low-tech as an effective, holistic approach that meaningfully complements technology-centred efficiency paths.