Trauer, Valentin

Diploma Thesis:
2051

Topic:
Sustainable building in standardization

Editor:
Valentin Trauer

University Professor Responsible:
Univ.-Prof. Dr.-Ing. Dipl.-Wirt.-Ing. Katharina Kleinschrot
Professorship Representative: Dr.-Ing. Jan Kortmann

Supervisor:
University Supervisor: Dipl.-Ing. Aline Gruner

Editing Period:
03.05.2025 until 26.09.2025

Abstract:
This thesis examines the influence of standardisation on sustainable construction in Germany. It focuses on the question of in which areas standards promote sustainable construction methods and where they hinder their implementation. Particular emphasis is placed on the role of building materials such as concrete, wood and natural materials. In addition, expert interviews were conducted with specialists from the fields of science, standardisation and the construction industry, which were evaluated using qualitative content analysis. The results show that standards contribute significantly to the comparability, safety and market acceptance of sustainable construction methods. They create the basis for resource conservation, recycling and energy efficiency. At the same time, the inertia of normative adaptation processes slows down the introduction of innovative materials, which can put recycled products or alternative building materials at a disadvantage. Overall, standards help to establish sustainable construction on the market, but they reach their limits when innovations do not comply with standards. Recommendations for action are therefore directed at policymakers, standardisation bodies and construction practitioners in order to exploit the potential more fully and remove obstacles.