Marianne Loof column
On Monday, there was a short, but interesting article in the Volkskrant about the best way to encourage sustainable innovation. In this case, it was in relation to emission-free cars. In his doctoral thesis, Joeri Wesseling demonstrates how a gradual reduction of CO2 emissions, as has been done in Europe, has a negative effect on innovation.
European manufacturers are investing in making existing petrol engine technology increasingly sustainable. In California, the ambition was formulated differently. One out of every ten cars had to be entirely emission-free. Initially, there was protest from manufacturers. After all, petrol-driven cars required more maintenance than electric cars. This measure eventually led to radical new concepts, because a small modification to existing technology does not cut it. The Teslas and future generation vehicles are the result of this.
Building from the bottom up
Too often, existing concepts are further refined in construction too: energy efficiency is achieved through use of complex installations and control devices. Energy efficient or energy neutral projects have high operating costs as a result of the intensive maintenance these installations require. Radical innovation demands more than utilising slightly modified products and complex installations. Radical new concepts are concepts that integrally offer other solutions to the energy issue and that construct the thinking around this issue from the bottom upwards.
Next week, the Bouwbeurs takes place in Utrecht. Unfortunately, the promotional video is disheartening: sexy blonde ladies in short shorts with the slogan ‘well built’ emblazoned across their chests are intended to attract the public to attend. These pretty pin-ups symbolise the combustion engine of the building industry. I am more attracted to innovation, the quest for the Teslas of the building industry.
Cobouw.nl