Jul 13 2007
HOCHTIEF Aktiengesellschaft has teamed up with architects, academics, investors and other companies in the construction industry to found the German Sustainable Building Council. Based in Stuttgart, the Council is a response to the discussion in Germany on global warming and energy saving. Under the slogan "For a future-oriented built environment", it aims to promote sustainable building in Germany, focusing not just on the actual construction process but on the entire life-cycle of properties. HOCHTIEF will be represented with a seat in the presidium.
The non-profit organization will create a certification system for sustainable real estate projects. Projects which prioritize environment-friendly, healthy and resource-saving criteria right from the planning phase, during construction and in subsequent utilization will be awarded a uniform quality label. The decisive factor, says Prof. Bernhard Bürklin, Head of Corporate Projects at HOCHTIEF and designated member of the Council‘s presidium, is the overall view of a building during all the phases of its life. The first certification of a building is to take place this year.
The German organization has been formed under the umbrella of the World Green Building Council, which is engaged worldwide in furthering sustainable construction methods and resource-saving properties. The focus of its activities is in the USA, where the trend to Green Buildings is setting new standards. In the USA, HOCHTIEF - via its subsidiary Turner - is a trail-blazer in this field. Turner is a member of the U. S. Green Building Council and in the past ten years, the company has realized more than 175 Green Building projects. Of these projects, 41 have received certification and 70 have been registered with the U.S. Green Building Council.
HOCHTIEF is one of the leading international providers of construction-related services. With almost 47,000 employees and a sales volume of EUR 15.51 billion in FY 2006, the company is represented in all the world‘s major markets. In the USA, the biggest construction market in the world, HOCHTIEF is the No. 1 general builder via its subsidiary Turner. With its Group company Leighton, HOCHTIEF is market leader in Australia. The HOCHTIEF service offering in the fields of development, construction, services, concessions and operation covers the entire building value chain.