

Our president, Christine Pfeifer, was interviewed about sustainable construction in South Tyrol. The construction sector is one of the world’s largest contributors to energy consumption and CO₂ emissions, yet it also offers enormous potential for positive change. In South Tyrol, we have already taken important steps in this direction: Since the introduction of the KlimaHaus certification in 2002, more than 80% of new buildings have met at least the KlimaHaus A standard, which stands for energy-efficient and resource-conserving construction.
Despite this pioneering role, however, the challenge remains significant. Many existing buildings are still energy-inefficient, and cities in particular often lack the green spaces that contribute to a pleasant climate and a better quality of life. Merano provides a positive example: as part of the European research project JUSTNature, nature-based solutions are being tested there to make cities more environmentally friendly and livable.
The article shows that sustainability in the construction sector is not the responsibility of any one entity—but rather a shared journey involving government, business, and society.