Author(s)

A A J F van den Dobbelsteen, Th S de Wilde & M J P Arets

Abstract

Sustainability in three dimensions - the importance of improving the use of space and life span beside technological efficiency A.A.J.F. van den Dobbelsteen1, Th. S. de Wilde1, 2 & M.J.P. Arets1 1 Department of Building Technology, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands. 2Holland Railconsult, The Netherlands. Abstract The performance of the built environment is behind schedule on the way to a factor 20 environmental improvement by 2040. A substantial improvement can be achieved by an approach on the urban scale, focussing on all three dimensions of sustainability: technology, space and time. Beside solutions for technological efficiency, in which combining facilities on an urban scale offers better opportunities, a focus on efficient use of space and prolonging the life span of the built environment are important measures with which the environmental performance can be improved. Space efficiency can be improved by multiple and intensive use of space. Stacking and combining of functions avoid claims on rural areas and diminish the amount of building materials and energy needed. Indicators like the floor space index (f.s.i.) and environmental indices on floor and ground surface use of reference projects sharpen awareness of the impact on the environment. The life span of urban areas can be prolonged by a sustainable urban fabric that has possibilities of adaptability to unforeseen future changes within it. This functional adaptability is enabled by technical flexibility on an urban scale. Another important life span factor of urban areas is functional diversity. The combination of functions within an urban project ensures a better useful life span. The useful life factor (ULF) is an indicator for the efficient use of an urban plan and its buildings.

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