BUILDING FUTURES
..begins NOW
BATMAT 2005 is focusing on the theme
of sustainable development. Its slogan "Building futures"
highlights a major challenge for the building industry, that
of coming up with solutions to the problem of depleted traditional
energy resources and the deterioration of the environment
worldwide. It is clearly also a source of opportunities for
the entire construction sector.
Sustainable development in the building
industry calls on: " manufacturers to review their production
processes and the systems they promote, " contractors and
equipment dealers to take human safety and environmental protection
into account on the building site (management of local resources,
waste removal, minimise impact during the building phase),
" and of course the building owners, project managers and
architects who commission, design and maintain the buildings
and living spaces to provide individual comfort for the occupants
while preserving the collective heritage.
A number of tools have been developed
to help promote sustainable development, making it possible
to assess and endorse a building's performance, including
the American LEED, the British BREEAM and the Japanese CASBEE.
France has also developed a High Environmental Quality system
which includes criteria relating the occupants' comfort and
health. But these checklists are also designed to stimulate
the research and development of new solutions for sustainable
buildings (some of these will feature in the exhibition guide
to 900 innovations).
This session of BATIMAT, the traditional
international gathering of the construction industry, aims
to make a major contribution to progress in this area which
is so crucial to the future of the sector.
In addition, a wide range forums and
talks will provide an international platform for sharing positive
experiences that will lead to new ideas being adapted to the
building traditions and cultures of each country. Influencers,
especially architects, will be at the heart of these events.
Highlights include:
- The EU Integrated Planning for Building
Refurbishment programme (LCC-Refurb),
- Positive energy buildings, i.e.
producing more energy than they consume,
- Two talks on accessibility for people
with reduced mobility and the elderly: "Accessibility in
practice", focusing on buildings, and "From the city to
the buildings", looking at overall urban policies,
- Examples of "buildings that work"
presented by the Intelligent Building Group, an association
set up by prominent British architects, "
- A symposium entitled "Comfort and
safety: the key to sustainable homes", organised by the
Association pour le Développement de la Domotique et de
l'Immotique (Home and Building Automation association).
The International Union of Architects
(IUA) will also be presenting the results of its international
work programmes for training architects in sustainable development,
architecture for all and the integration of renewable energies.
The 1500 journalists covering the event
will ensure that these ideas and innovations are widely disseminated,
proving that building futures begins now.
Through the exhibition's theme, BATIMAT
also aims to promote the construction industry and demonstrate
its capacity for innovation, thus giving it an image boost,
especially in the eyes of young people.
© International Trade Publications –
April 2005
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