Viennese housing revolution: Sustainability is the focus of the future!

Viennese housing revolution: Sustainability is the focus of the future!

In the latest episode of the “Peter & Paul” show, Markus Steinböck and Stephan Pasquali from 3SI Immogroup discuss the challenges and opportunities of sustainable housing in Vienna. The recording took place in the 3SI Lounge on Kärntner Straße. The Viennese family business, which is in its third generation, can look back on over 100 apartment buildings and more than 200 completed projects. Their focus is on sustainable new construction and the renovation of historical buildings.

Steinböck highlights the potential of old buildings and emphasizes that densification through attic conversions is a sensible way to create living space without sealing new areas. Pasquali, on the other hand, criticizes the current sealing policy in Austria, which has led to around 368 hectares in Vienna being sealed over the last ten years. This development threatens valuable green spaces.

Sustainability in residential construction

In order to counteract the consumption of land, 3SI Immogroup is specifically looking for so-called “brownfield properties” in order to realize new residential projects and partially regenerate the affected green areas. The two experts agree that sustainability is a crucial competitive factor in residential construction. Buyers are increasingly placing value on sustainable and modern construction methods that incorporate environmentally friendly materials and technologies.

Future trends in residential construction include the implementation of photovoltaic systems and the use of wood, clay or hybrid construction methods. Pasquali is calling on lawmakers to simplify regulations to promote sustainable construction, a call that also extends to the broader debate about land use.

Interior development and land use

In Germany, the problem of land consumption is similarly serious. As NABU shows, too much area is being built up and sealed. To counteract this, the concept of “double internal development” is being promoted, which aims to create living space in existing settlements and at the same time protect green spaces. Aerial photographs from Potsdam and Hamburg show both positive and negative examples of this development.

In Hamburg there have been successful internal development projects, such as the conversion of wasteland in Altona with green courtyards, while numerous projects on the outskirts of the city, such as single-family houses on greenfield sites, are considered negative examples. Germany has set itself the goal of reducing daily land use to a maximum of 30 hectares by 2030, while it is currently over 55 hectares per day.

Paradigm shift in housing provision

Another aspect in the discussion about housing contrasts the demands on social-ecological housing provision. The claim to relieve strained housing markets through new construction often conflicts with climate and sustainability goals. The paradigm shift towards efficient and needs-based use of existing living space is becoming increasingly important.

Various sufficiency approaches that deal with reducing the average consumption of living space have already been implemented at the municipal level, but are not widely established. This approach is illuminated by analyzing promoting and inhibiting factors that can influence the implementation of existing concepts. A systematic overview of current approaches to housing sufficiency is needed to achieve both socio-ecological and environmental policy goals.

In summary, it shows that the topics of sustainable housing, land consumption and efficient use of living space are interdependent and must be closely linked to one another in a forward-looking housing policy. Steinböck and Pasquali's discussions reflect the need to find innovative solutions to meet the challenges of our urban spaces.

For further information on the topics of sustainable housing and land use, you can read the reports from Leadersnet, des NABU and des VHW visit.