Why existing buildings matter?
In a rapidly digitalising European built environment with a constant stream of new technologies and innovations, it’s important to stop and think about the relevance of existing buildings.
In the construction industry, renovation accounts for around 50% of the sector’s annual turnover in Finland. In 2023 alone, this was a significant €15.7 billion. From an environmental perspective, the renovation of existing structures and buildings contributes to the efficient use of natural resources, which is aligned with the EU’s sustainable development goals. Compliance with the EU taxonomy criteria allows for more affordable financing options, which incentivizes sustainable renovation practices that benefit both our economy and environment. These are just a few reasons why we should not ignore the existing built environment when we digitise it.
Digitalisation is linked to the management of the life-cycle emissions impact of a building. Effectively digitising the building sector and meeting environmental objectives requires digitising existing buildings, but this will not happen by itself. Digital environments provide a platform for new services and AI-based applications. Producing high-quality digital twins requires a frontloaded investment that will yield long-term benefits.
At the WDBE 2024, Marianna Heikinheimo talked about the new mindset required to digitise old buildings and invited the audience to reflect on why existing buildings matter.