15.02.2017
SRU member Prof Dr Messari-Becker speaks today in the Bundestag as an expert on the amendment to the German Building Code. The SRU welcomes the new "urban area" category. However, the level of noise protection in these areas must not be lowered. It is also problematic that the amendment is also intended to promote construction activity on the outskirts of settlements.
"We must not go backwards when it comes to land consumption. The amendment should therefore not make it easier to build in outlying areas," emphasises Prof. Messari-Becker. The German Advisory Council on the Environment (SRU) therefore recommends dispensing with accelerated procedures for development plans on the edge of existing settlements. The planned Section 13b should be cancelled without replacement.
The introduction of the new area category "urban area" in the Land Use Ordinance makes sense. The amendment provides for the immission guide values to be raised by 3 decibels. This corresponds to roughly a doubling of the sound power. Such an increase in the limit values should be rejected for health reasons. In addition, building densification should enhance urban open spaces as meeting and recreational areas and promote people's health. At the same time, urban green spaces must be strengthened in order to promote ecological qualities such as air pollution control, avoidance of so-called heat islands and biodiversity.
The written statement on the hearing of the Environment and Building Committee is available on the SRU website: www.umweltrat.de.
The German Advisory Council on the Environment (SRU) has been advising the German government on environmental policy issues for 45 years. The Council's composition of seven professors from various disciplines ensures a scientifically independent and comprehensive assessment, both from a scientific and technical perspective as well as from an economic, legal and health science perspective.
Source: PM of the German Advisory Council on the Environment, Berlin
Keywords: Stakeholders, Greening / climate adaptation, Stock, Soil & land consumption, Quarters, Environmental policy, Housing policy
