"2000-watt society" in Zurich

In Zurich on 30 November 2008, it was approved by a 76 per cent majority that energy consumption should be reduced to 2000 watts of power per capita by 2050. The value in Switzerland is currently 6000 watts on average. The 2000-watt society has since been enshrined in the municipal code. "What is particularly special is how this is to be achieved," says economist Angelika Zahrnt (honorary chair of the environmental association BUND, former member of the Council for Sustainable Development and expert on the post-growth debate).

Zurich's city leaders explain that the 2000-watt society cannot be achieved through technical progress and more energy-efficient appliances alone. Progress also leads to the well-known rebound effect - increased efficiency often motivates consumers to consume more because of cost reductions. Often, more and larger appliances are then used and the savings are partially cancelled out. Even a switch to renewable energies alone does not help. According to the city of Zurich, "sufficiency is needed. That means using less energy, material and space and using resources more sparingly". As one of the few cities worldwide, Zurich is thus anchoring the question of what is the right measure in its policy.

Left:
www.stadt-zuerich.ch/...2000-watt_society.html

Keywords: 2000-watt society, Renewable, Climate protection, News Blog Europe (without DE), News Blog Switzerland, Quarters, Settlements, Sufficiency

Published 15. February 2018

Wood from Here recognised by the BMUB as proof of requirements for wood products

In addition to the established standard for certifying the sustainability of federal buildings (BNB), the Federal Ministry of Building (BBSR) has also developed a new simplified standard for small residential buildings (BNK). As part of this standard, requirements are also defined for wood products and materials that must be met in order for them to receive full points here. Compliance with these requirements can now also be demonstrated with a WOOD FROM HERE certificate for the wood products.

Significance of the BNK for timber construction

It is the political will that new buildings in Germany should increasingly be subject to sustainability certification. So far, this has failed for the vast majority of buildings, especially smaller ones, due to the enormous costs and the considerable effort required for the corresponding certification. For this reason, the BBSR has developed a simplified standard for small residential buildings. This standard can now be used to certify single-family or multi-family houses more easily. In the meantime, various prefabricated house manufacturers offer their customers a corresponding sustainability certification.

What are the benefits for companies in the timber industry with a certificate for timber from here?

Manufacturers of timber construction products can now fulfil the requirements of the BNK for timber products used by means of a Holz von Hier certificate as an alternative to FSC or PEFC as proof of sustainable forest management. These requirements are set out in the standard's information sheet 3.3.1.

This is of course especially true for timber construction companies in case they want to offer their customers a corresponding certification according to the BNK. In addition to the suitability for the BNK standard, wood from here also offers a direct marketing advantage for timber construction companies, as regionally manufactured products are experiencing a growing trend among consumers and they can thus address a growing target group of environmentally conscious buyers.

The use of the Holz von Hier certification system is very simple for interested companies and involves little administrative, personnel and financial effort. The product- or object-related issuing of a certificate is carried out via an electronic controlling system, similar to the one used in the German biogas register in the context of carbon certificate trading. Holz von Hier thus offers companies in the timber industry additional market opportunities without complicating or restricting their operations.

PM from holz-von-hier.eu 2/2018

Keywords:
NBB, BNK, Certification & Labels