For a better sustainability
in our built environment
For a better sustainability
Our topics
Social Sustainability
The social dimension is one of the three pillars of sustainability (Brundtland 1987) and the basis for equal opportunities, a diverse society concerned with well-being and health. Several of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) relate specifically to social justice, social prosperity and health.
Our topics
Resilience
The changing climate, along with associated natural hazards, and demographic shifts demand a built environment focused on resilience. It’s no longer just about efficiency—robust, adaptable structures that can respond to evolving conditions are now paramount. These solutions must be tailored to specific circumstances and require a deep understanding of complex interrelationships.
Our topics
Net zero
Net zero is an indicator for reducing global warming caused by the emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Net zero means that the greenhouse gases emitted by humans must be removed from the atmosphere through compensation measures and that the earth's climate balance is therefore net zero, i.e. after deductions from natural and artificial sinks.
Our topics
Certifications and ESG-Rating
Sustainability certifications have become increasingly relevant. They are no longer just comparative standards or quality management, but in the context of ESG management certifications are essential for proving the sustainable quality of buildings, sites and entire portfolios. Accordingly, sustainability certifications have evolved into 4th generation certificates.
Our topics
Circular Economy
The clear scarcity of materials and the understanding that net-zero goals can only be achieved through longer building lifespans make the circular economy increasingly relevant. Previously, the focus of the circular economy in construction was on recycling building materials. Now, the emphasis has shifted towards the reuse of entire building components and, most importantly, the preservation of existing structures.
Our topics
Preservation of building stock
Municipalities and cities today are faced with the dilemma that demographic change and ongoing urbanisation are leading to a densification of settlement areas, while at the same time climate change requires less CO2 emissions and biodiversity requires less land consumption. This demands inward densification and, at the same time, the long-term use of existing building stock.
‘Luzius Burckhardt’s quote, "Those who plan, plan interventions. And those who intervene, take on responsibility," emphasizes to me that we must now consciously assume responsibility in our planning to sustainably shape the (built) environment for future generations.’
Catherine Phan-huy
Expert
Current Topics
04|2026
SNBS Bestand und Betrieb
Sustainability is not primarily determined by new construction, but by the operation and maintenance of existing buildings. It is precisely here that a largely untapped lever for transforming the building stock lies.
With the newly launched SNBS-Bestand und Betrieb portfolio label, the focus shifts from individual projects to a holistic view of existing buildings and portfolios. The focus is on questions relating to the targeted transformation of existing properties, the strategic development of portfolios, and sound decision-making frameworks and their integration into ESG systems. SNBS-Bestand und Betrieb offers a systematic approach to assessment and management across the entire life cycle.
Durable supports developers and property owners with Certified Experts in applying the new standard and in the strategic and sustainable development of their portfolios.
10|2025
Stadt Winterthur: Bericht zum Postulat «Strategie zirkuläres Bauen»
With the postulate «Circular Construction Strategy» ‘Circular Construction Strategy’, the City Council of Winterthur was tasked with ‘submitting a report on how circular construction can be increasingly implemented and promoted in Winterthur in order to set an example’.
Durable supported the Office for Urban Development in responding to the postulate. The focus was on comparing the current business-as-usual construction and demolition process with a circular process. The need for a strategy that defines goals and measures was identified as a key area for action. In addition, the implementation steps for the transformation to construction with minimal use of resources were worked out specifically for the city of Winterthur.
The full report can be downloaded here.
07|2024
Launch of the standard 'SNBS-Areal' at an event by NNBS in Bern
It became public on 13 September 2023: in 2022/23, we were commissioned by the Swiss Sustainable Building Network NNBS to develop the certifiable 'SNBS-Areal' standard. 'SNBS-Areal' is part of the SNBS/Minergie/GEAK label group and a follow-up solution for the 2000-watt site certificate.
We designed SNBS-Areal so that pre-certification can be meaningfully applied during the development phase (SIA Stage 2). This enables early strategic decisions, site development aligned with the plan of work, and the establishment of an appropriate standard for developers and the public sector for special utilisation planning.
SNBS-Areal addresses key ESG topics such as climate protection, microclimate, circular economy, water management, and biodiversity, without delving too deeply into building specifics. We are already in the process of certifying the first sites under this standard.
