Buildings are being networked not only internally but also externally with other properties. The building of the future will be able to optimize consumption and cut costs in a targeted way.

Buildings designed to be energy self-sufficient and to produce surplus energy. In the coming years, such passive and active homes will become standard and – in conjunction with smart grid energy – will redefine energy supply.

Building materials often contain harmful substances. The building of the future avoids the use of building materials that are harmful to health. More than that: Ideally, the materials used absorb hazardous substances.

In the face of climate change, attempts to reduce carbon emissions have been made in all fields in recent years. The construction and real estate sectors are of great significance here, as they are responsible for approximately 33 percent of emissions. Zero-emission operation over the entire life cycle is therefore a declared goal of Blue Buildings – one that can only be achieved by fully addressing all influencing factors.

As part of closed material cycles, the building of the future works on the Cradle to Cradle® principle. At the end of their service life, all materials are returned to the technical or biological cycle. As a result, the building of the future does not produce any waste – all materials are reprocessed or assimilated.

If a building's use changes, it must also adapt – quickly and without great effort. With Blue Buildings, principals and designers do not limit themselves to a particular use but keep future requirements in mind from the outset. These initial investments are outweighed by the economic benefits over the life cycle of the property.