Sustainability has become a key focus for many industries, including the construction sector. With its significant impact on the environment, the construction industry has a responsibility to implement sustainable practices and reduce its carbon footprint. In Germany, several large construction companies have taken the lead in implementing strategic sustainability initiatives, including circular economy practices, to minimize waste, conserve resources, and decrease emissions.
Strategic Sustainability Initiatives in German Construction Companies:
- Strabag:
- The company has implemented several sustainability initiatives, including the use of energy-efficient building materials and the adoption of circular economy practices. Strabag’s use of modular construction has also led to a decrease in waste generation and transportation emissions.
- Strabag’s use of modular construction led to a reduction of 7,800 tonnes of CO2 emissions in 2020
- In 2019, Strabag acquired a majority stake in Porr, an Austrian construction company with a focus on sustainability. The acquisition allowed Strabag to expand its portfolio of sustainable infrastructure projects and share best practices for sustainable design and building practices.
- Bilfinger:
- The company has implemented several sustainability initiatives, including the use of renewable energy sources and the adoption of circular economy practices. Bilfinger’s focus on sustainable design and building practices has also led to a reduction in emissions.
- Bilfinger’s use of renewable energy sources resulted in a decrease of 22,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions in 2019
- In 2020, Bilfinger acquired Tebodin, a Dutch engineering and consultancy firm specializing in sustainable design and engineering. The acquisition allowed Bilfinger to expand its capabilities in sustainable design and engineering, as well as increase its presence in the Netherlands, a market with a strong focus on sustainability.
- HOCHTIEF:
- The company has implemented several sustainability initiatives, including the use of sustainable building materials, such as timber, and the adoption of circular economy practices. HOCHTIEF also has a focus on reducing energy consumption.
- HOCHTIEF’s adoption of circular economy practices led to a reduction of 200,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions in 2020.
- In 2021, HOCHTIEF acquired ACS, a Spanish construction company with a focus on renewable energy projects. The acquisition allowed HOCHTIEF to expand its portfolio of sustainable infrastructure projects and increase its capabilities in renewable energy projects.
Sustainability continues to be a major focus for German construction companies with increased adoption of wood based construction and use of circular economy processes.
