Dr.-Ing. Johannes Fütterer, CEO aedifion GmbH:
"Heat waves and overloaded refrigeration systems are becoming a real health and climate resilience issue for commercial buildings. This is particularly drastic in clinics, retirement homes, schools and other public facilities, where people depend on a good indoor climate.
Heat protection must therefore be firmly anchored in planning, technical equipment and ongoing operation: Intelligent sensor technology, AI analyses and weather predictive control are becoming a must; If modern, reversible heat pumps are planned in combination with surface cooling from the outset, comfort can be significantly increased while at the same time lowering costs compared to conventional split units. The use of dynamic electricity tariffs in combination with AI-based demand forecasting can demonstrably further reduce the electricity costs incurred.
The technology is there. What is needed now is political will and a rethink along the entire value chain."
Dirk Wichner, Member of the Management Board, DVI Group:
"In order to protect real estate against extreme weather, we have to become much more pragmatic. Air conditioning, for example, is the best way to combat overheated rooms, as they are increasingly becoming a location factor in the summer months. For many employees, a pleasant room temperature is now even a reason to come to the office. We can generate the electricity required for this cleanly and cheaply with photovoltaics. In general, we should focus more on innovative technologies, I am thinking here of ice storage systems, for example. In the cold months, they function as a natural heat storage system, while the ice formed in winter can be used as a natural air conditioning system in summer.
Pragmatic solutions also work when it comes to flood protection. Many municipalities have already achieved a lot, Dresden is a good example. Former flood risk areas are now much better protected thanks to retention basins and flood channels. At the same time, owners are investing in protective measures such as bulkheads on basement windows or backflow valves in the sewage pipes. If politicians and owners work together, we can protect cities, buildings and people much better from extreme weather events."
Carolin Dose, Managing Director of Asset Management, HIH Real Estate:
"The increasing extreme weather events are endangering the usability of real estate. The greatest danger comes from heat. Without sufficient protective measures, working in existing buildings that are not designed for high temperatures becomes unbearable in the summer months. To avoid overheating, the buildings must be upgraded in terms of energy efficiency. Otherwise, energy consumption will also increase because tenants use air conditioning systems in overheated rooms.
Another danger comes from flooding and flooding, especially in densely built-up cities with a high degree of sealing. Flooded basements and ground floors can cause considerable damage, and in extreme cases there is even a risk of undermining the stability of the buildings.
The question of how we protect working and living spaces will determine the rentability and value retention of real estate in the future. A good maintenance plan is crucial here: Those who plan and budget for renovations and modernizations in good time can better manage investments and prevent risks."
