Bioeconomy of Buildings

Inhaltsverzeichnis

1. Frontmatter

2. Chapter 1. Introduction: Bioeconomy of Buildings—Energy, Resources and Meanings

   Jan Grossarth

   Abstract

   Why discuss sustainable construction in such abstract terms as the ‘bioeconomy of buildings’? This introductory chapter focuses on three main reasons for doing so. The first is the specific emphasis on energy within the tradition of bioeconomic thought. The second reason is the potential to bring a historical and intercultural perspective into focus. Within the framework of bioeconomy, reflecting on (past) agrarian bioeconomies becomes relevant, especially in terms of land allocation and its uses for food, fiber, fuel, and feed over time. Historical examples can serve as ‘distant mirrors’ helping to reflect on present techno-economic approaches. By contrast, the focus on sustainability is often tied to short-term, entirely quantifiable goals, particularly those needed for certification. Finally, the third reason for discussing a bioeconomy of buildings relates to the term itself, which is sometimes used as an intriguing metaphor: bio suggests life, connecting to a cultural dimension of sustainability. By examining the lifecycle and beyond of materials, and the cultural meanings embedded in architectural practices, we can rethink buildings as part of a broader ecological system, where resources are circulated and environmental impact is reduced.

3. Chapter 2. Bioeconomic Construction: Technical, Economic, and Cultural Challenges

   Jan Grossarth

   Abstract

   Even though global climate policy is undergoing a significant shift with Donald Trump's election as U.S. President in 2025 and the failure of the “Green Deal” at the EU level consequently, there are several reasons for resource-efficient construction. Resource conservation is a pressing priority in the construction industry, not just for environmental reasons but because the stakes are complex and far-reaching. This article dives into the multi-layered challenge of transforming the sector. First, it explores the global construction industry's profound impacts on the environment and climate. Then, it makes a bold claim: in a pluralistic, democratic society, sustainability cannot simply be mandated. This resistance isn’t just about economic pressures; it stems from deep social structures, power dynamics within organizations, and even a lack of urgency among the public. The science is clear: we need rapid, sweeping change. Yet real-world adoption lags behind these appeals, bogged down by systemic inertia. That’s why this article focuses on a crucial piece of the puzzle: communication innovation. To make meaningful strides, we need a cultural shift in how we think about building and living. This shift goes beyond green building codes; it taps into concepts like the atmosphere, character, historic value, and aesthetic impact of buildings. How do we bring these ideas into planning? Moderated stakeholder dialogues and participatory approaches offer promising avenues. This overview aims to deepen understanding in a tech-driven field, valuing both technical breakthroughs and the need for realistic transformation timelines. Professionals must realize that people need more than rational facts; they need a genuine cultural motivation to drive sustainable action.

4. Chapter 3. Bioeconomy: Perspectives, Traditions, and Tensions

   Jan Grossarth

   Abstract

   This chapter explores the diverse approaches that make up the bioeconomy as an interdisciplinary field. One major approach focuses on agriculture and forestry, aiming to substitute resources sustainably. The other, a broader political-economic strategy, seeks a fundamental transformation of economic systems. Both are well-rooted in the EU, and numerous other countries worldwide. But the bioeconomy discourse goes beyond merely channeling attention toward material flows in economics and politics. The metaphor itself is powerful: “bios” meaning “life” evokes a vision of the bioeconomy as an alternative to a tech-driven, mechanistic society. In this way, the bioeconomy is positioned as a corrective, offering a balanced, life-centered view. This chapter traces the evolution of these two primary visions within bioeconomy and highlights the pivotal role of innovation—both as technical progress and as socio-cultural transformation.

5. Chapter 4. Renewable Resources in Construction

   Jan Grossarth

   Abstract

   The use of renewable raw materials often improves the greenhouse gas balances of buildings over their life cycle compared to conventional building materials. This can be stated even if there are numerous definitional ambiguities regarding competing concepts of climate neutrality. Life cycle assessments (LCAs) can demonstrate the relative advantage of renewable building materials. In terms of resource availability and organic material flows, the increasing use of straw from various grains as a building material is promising. Agro-ecological arguments support field crops like miscanthus, hemp, and poplar. Bamboo, flax, cotton, coconut, pineapple, reed, bulrush, hops, jute, nettle, sugarcane, and wood from the kiri tree are also considered relevant as mass building materials for the construction sector. Biotechnologically advanced applications from the lignocellulose bioeconomy will impact the construction industry. In addition to solid wood, laminated and cross-laminated timber are playing an increasingly important role, expanding the raw material base to include hardwoods that have scarcely been used in construction until now. Structural modifications of wood on the micro or nano level are also becoming relevant. This chapter provides an introductory overview.

6. Chapter 5. Innovations in Bioeconomy: Mycelium Composites, 3D Printing, and Bio-Resins

   Jan Grossarth

   Abstract

   This chapter focuses on three specific examples of biotechnological innovations that are likely to be particularly relevant for the construction industry. Ultimately, they all revolve around the idea of breaking down wood and agricultural raw materials into very small components (whether to nanoparticle size or smaller), modifying them thermally, mechanically, or chemically, and thus creating new building material properties. Finally, the perspective shifts from technological to socio-economic value-chain innovations, whose establishment could enable the widespread adoption of sustainable innovations in practice.

7. Chapter 6. Circular Economy in Construction: Current Status, Potentials, and Strategies

   Jan Grossarth

   Abstract

   The extraction and processing of mineral, metallic, and biogenic resources significantly contribute to global greenhouse gas emissions. Given ongoing urbanization and global increases in wealth, the total amount of raw materials extracted worldwide is expected to nearly double by the middle of this century. Resource conservation at all levels of the economy is essential. The construction industry is a central focus, as it generates the largest amounts of waste both in Germany and globally. Circularity conserves resources, and a multitude of measures can promote more careful resource management. These range from certifications for urban mining to establishing digital construction material exchanges and stricter waste regulations, such as take-back obligations for building materials or mandatory building material passports. Also relevant are adapted and new standards aimed at a circular economy, as well as changes in construction and planning processes and circular product design. The concept of Cradle to Cradle enhances the goal of continuous circularity of technical components with the ideal of a biosphere designed entirely for “compostability”—such as materials made from wood fibers or straw. The vision of a “world without waste” inspired by nature supports the goal of resource conservation but is ultimately ahistorical and impractical as a rigid norm. However, it is highly attractive to innovative companies and is an important part of the circular transformation. Another important factor is innovations in the waste and recycling industry, which must work with waste streams as they currently exist. One example is the sensory separation of construction material fractions based on color criteria from construction debris, which facilitates sorting and recycling. This article first discusses resource scarcity forecasts for building materials, recycling rates in construction, and provides an overview of resource-saving materials such as lightweight and gradient concrete, Celitement, or wood hybrid ceilings. It then examines the historical contexts of these concepts to clarify the differences between circular economy and the Circular Economy model. The article provides an introductory overview of the role of component exchanges and material registries, take-back obligations for building materials, the potential of urban mining, and introduces the Urban Mining Index planning tool. It concludes with a look at prominent examples of architecture and a historical review of the careful deconstruction practices of the 1920s, which can serve as a model for a circular construction industry.

8. Chapter 7. Circular Bioeconomy of Buildings: Holistic Perspectives

   Jan Grossarth

   Abstract

   In the construction industry, a circular bioeconomy centers on rethinking the full lifecycle of materials, from planning through to the end of a building’s use. This approach prioritizes conserving resources at every stage: reducing reliance on new raw materials, extending building lifespans, and ensuring that materials and components can be reused with high quality. At its core, this is about resource conservation. Renewable materials are gaining ground, supported by life cycle assessments focused on climate impact and bolstered by expanding technical possibilities. Nature’s biological cycles offer inspiration for how to manage resources responsibly. Beyond the ideal of resource conserving planning and optimized value chains, bioeconomy is a matter of design an therefore understanding / human perception of building materials or architecture. This is addressed by understanding  bioeconomy as a metaphor. This chapter outlines the key aspects of circular bioeconomy in construction, touching on everything from institutional frameworks and material flow management to technological innovations, material networks, and the cultural and communicative aspects that drive meaningful change.