Choose Retrofit! Unlocking the potential of existing buildings with sustainable building materials
On our path towards the ecological transition in the construction sector, the potential of our building stock is enormous. If we use and smartly redesign the existing buildings, we can reduce new construction to the necessary minimum, thus saving a significant amount of CO₂ and resources. The natureplus conference RE.THINK BUILDING 2024 will display specific possibilities, perspectives, requirements, and developments in the field of retrofitting and refurbishing with sustainable construction materials. There will be expert presentations from construction practice and research, as well as discussions and ample networking opportunities. Additionally, there will be a material fair featuring natureplus certified building materials.
RE.THINK BUILDING is the annual natureplus conference and industry gathering for all those interested in sustainable construction. This is where planners, architects, building material manufacturers and suppliers, scientists, civil society actors, and many more come together. This year, the conference is held in cooperation with our partner Baubioswiss. Join the discussion, connect with us, and let’s rethink building together!
Find out more at https://www.natureplus.org/veranstaltungen/re-think-building-2024.
Organised by natureplus e.V. in cooperation with its partner Baubioswiss.
Programme (Presentations in German and English)
Keynote: Conversion instead of new construction!
Recognizing the potential of existing buildings, using cycles and implementing the UmBauwende
Ben Poignon, architect and civil engineer, baubüro in situ ag
Market of opportunities – Elevator pitches from exhibitors
The Swiss certification landscape
Requirements, developments and how certification systems reward the use of existing buildings and circular and regional building materials
Angela Birchler, Project Manager SNBS, Minergie e.V.
Timber construction of the future
Holistic sustainability and quality assurance strategies
Stefan Schindele, Head of Building Biology, Sustainability, Development, Baufritz
Refurbishment and restoration with sustainable building materials
Practical examples of energy-efficient refurbishment of existing buildings
Thomas Pijnenborgh, Managing Director, Groene Bouwmaterialen
Conversion but healthy living!
Promote healthy living and plan and implement the correct removal of harmful substances
Roger Waeber, Head of the Specialist Unit for Residential Toxins, Swiss Federal Office of Public Health
Tackling the UmBauwende: Approaches and paths to a sustainable UmBaukultur
Panel discussion
Followed by a tour of the PROGR conversion project
From 16:00, we will visit the PROGR with the architect in charge, Viktor Hirsig, and talk about the conversion, structures and finances, among other things.
Plus, a material fair with natureplus certified products
Key details
Date: Friday 3rd May 2024
Time: 11:00-16:00 CEST
Location: PROGR – Center for Cultural Production, Waisenhausplatz 30, 3011 Bern, Switzerland
Ticket prices and registration
- natureplus and Baubioswiss members, students*: CHF 59
- Members of partner organizations: 99 CHF (natureplus customers, ASBP, Stichting Agrodome, IBO, OekoZenter Pafendall, ICEA, VIBE, DGNB)
- Standard price: 139 CHF
As the event is taking place in Switzerland this year, ticket prices are shown in CHF. 1 CHF is currently equivalent to around 1.07 euros. *Students can participate in the event at a reduced rate by providing their student e-mail address.
Event partner
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The event is organized with the kind support of our partners:
- Bau-Fritz GmbH & Co. KG
- Fundermax GmbH
- Keimfarben GmbH
- best wood SCHNEIDER® GmbH
- Architecture magazine Modulør
Former events
Find impressions from RE.THINK BUILDING 2023 here: