Use less, Make more, Share

[Hans De Keulenaer]

There is the mantra from World Business Council for a Sustainable Development, WBCSD, in their first report on the building industry. An industry that they find complex and fragmented. This characteristic also results in that the industry systematically misjudges costs and opportunities. They should, in short, have a more holistic approach to make more of their resources.

And for the mantra, what does it mean and imply?

• Use less energy
• Make more energy (locally)
• Share surplus energy (through an intelligent grid)

But there are already huge gains to be made from existing technologies WBCSD says , improve energy efficiency by 35% and reduce the heating costs with 80%.