The actual material-related environmental performance of building systems is significantly worse than is currently assumed. Researcher Gerben Broekhuijsen speaks of unfair competition that must be addressed: “Sustainable and circular systems are being sidelined as a result.”
“This can’t be right,” thought researcher Gerben Broekhuijsen when he first saw how the environmental impact of building systems is factored into environmental performance calculations for buildings (mpg). For years, he himself worked for a renowned construction and installation company. He understands the complexity down to the last decimal point and knows how many variables are hidden behind an air handling system. He saw that the environmental performance of the HVAC system had been accounted for in just two lines. And that “couldn’t possibly be true,” Broekhuijsen recalls.
The former installer conducted research for his new employer, Copper8, suspecting that something was systematically going wrong in the calculations made by architects and engineering firms. He was proven right—and then some: the conclusions are (even) more painful than he dared to suspect a year and a half ago. We’re talking about mathematical “blunders” ranging from 17 to nearly 300 percent. In other words: buildings that meet the legal energy performance requirements on paper are, in reality, far less environmentally friendly. The calculations are particularly off for larger buildings that house many people and, consequently, numerous systems. We spoke with Gerben Broekhuijsen in Utrecht shortly after the publication of his research.
The results are almost shocking. Did you believe the findings yourself when you first saw them?
“No, not really. And that threefold increase specifically applies to HVAC systems. We thought something was seriously wrong. But after multiple checks, it became increasingly clear that this is indeed a systemic issue. Steel, pipes, pumps, and insulation materials—all of which are necessary in a building to make it comfortable to live in—are not included in the MPG calculations, even though this also applies to installation systems we’ve been manufacturing for 20 or 30 years.”
How is it possible that we’ve overlooked this for years?
“The environmental performance statements that exist and are listed in the National Environmental Database are often very rough. But those generic statements are used for all buildings, whether it’s a 2,000-square-meter building or a 20,000-square-meter one. But of course, those buildings aren’t comparable to one another. Yes, this problem needs to be addressed, because sustainable and circular systems are currently being sidelined.”
Before you started at Copper8, you worked in the building systems sector, right?
“Yes. Even back then, circularity was one of my priorities. I wanted to focus more on circularity and making systems modular, and to build fewer large systems. However, I couldn’t make it happen. I kept running into systemic problems… I kept being told it wasn’t possible…”
Why not?
“Well, because of those system details. The architect creates a design, and you, as the installer, just have to do the math. So, as an installer, you have no influence over the size of a chiller.”
Was that the reason you left the systems sector?
“You could say that.”
Well, that’s a sad story.
“Yes, but I really have a drive to do better. And then I thought, ‘If the system is holding me back, maybe I should go work for an organization that challenges that system.’”
Do you blame the installation sector for anything?
“No, I think installers are wonderful people. Moreover, it’s a relatively small group of people who build all these systems and get them up and running through blood, sweat, and tears. I think they just need to be steered in the right direction, and they’ll go there. That’s also evident from the conversations we’ve had with installers. They recognize that they can play a role in improving the environmental performance of installations. They just need to be given that role and rewarded for it.”
Are you worried that the installation sector will now turn against you?
“No, no, definitely not. Many installers are actually glad that we’re drawing attention to this problem. ‘Finally,’ they say. ‘Sustainable and circular installation technology is currently sidelined, even though there are already many solutions and the potential is huge.’”
When, as an installer, you suggested years ago using fewer systems by improving insulation, you were given a nickname, weren’t you?
“That’s right. One client said: ‘Then you’re the worst installer in the Netherlands, because you’re committed to fewer installations…’ I see it the other way around and hope that the installation and technical sector will start thinking about the question: which services do we want to provide and which don’t we? Do I provide an installation, and is that my business model, or do I provide knowledge, skills, and expertise to manage installations in buildings as smartly and environmentally friendly as possible?”
Curious about the whole story? Then listen to episode 36 of the Bureau Stoer podcast.
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Bureau Stoer is a weekly podcast about urban development. Three futurists and a journalist, together with a rotating cast of experts, delve into the questions of today and tomorrow. From grid congestion to affordability, from nitrogen to climate goals, and issues that listeners bring to the attention of “the bureau.”
