Designing for inclusive climate-positive living in Berlin

With the plan to accelerate the switch to climate-positive building, the fundamental idea of this paper is to understand, how the construction industry can contribute positively to the building ecosystem instead of halting construction. “The built environment sector is one of the largest contributors to climate change, responsible for approximately 37% of the global energy-related carbon emissions” (United Nations Environment Programme 2023, p.1). Throughout the research, the methodologies for the implementation of inclusive climate-positive buildings are measured through passive design strategies, the application of Computer-Aided Architectural Life-cycle Assessment (CAALA), and a qualitative method based on a universal design framework. The results have proven effective with the application of passive design strategies in building design, the thorough planning of modular elements, and the concept of smart-hybrid construction, with a focus on environmentally friendly and social sustainability. It can be concluded that a building can be identified as inclusive and climate-positive, if the discussion criterion is applied, and further tested by climate-positive partners and organisations. The study of the project has proven how a residential building can mix sustainability, aesthetics, and social inclusivity as a present-day reality, long before a transition to a climate-positive civilisation is expected.