The Story of Sustainability.
From the forest to the world affairs.
Sustainability – we encounter this term everywhere nowadays. But the more frequently it is being used, the more its original meaning seems to become blurred.
If you look into the meaning of the term, you will surprisingly find yourself back in the 18th century. At that time, a mining captain from Freiberg coined it with a revolutionary idea: One should only chop as much wood as the forest can reproduce.
After more than 250 years, the idea of sustainability experienced a revival. The environmental movement took it up and the World Commission on Environment and Development finally coined the definition that is commonly used today.
Sustainability means meeting the needs of the present without limiting future generations.
Today's common definition of the term “Sustainability”
A term in the course of time
Sustainability: from the beginnings to the modern construction industry
Spirit of Optimism (1925 – 1939)
When C + P was founded in 1925, industry was slowly being rebuilt after the first World War. But the infrastructure was poorly developed, especially in the rural areas of Hesse where C + P was based: roads were barely developed, transport routes were long and often difficult to navigate and the supply of energy and raw materials from other regions was uncertain. The focus was on locally available resources – from today’s perspective, a thoroughly sustainable approach.
War and Postwar Period (1939 – 1950)
After the destructive force power of the second World War, Germany had to be rebuilt. Due to the tense economic situation and lack of ressources, sustainability was practiced out of necessity. At that time, the focus was on durability and things were repaired instead of discarded.
Economic Miracle (1950 – 1970)
The years that followed saw an economic boom, with a particular focus on growth and speed. Materials were cheap and therefore did not need to be economized. With the increasing industrialization the CO2 emissions and energy consumption began to rise. The frugality that had previously been the norm fell out of fashion.
Environmental Movement (1970 – 1990)
Due to the oil crises and a movement for greater environmental protection, sustainability as such entered the scene. In the early days it was put into practice through the first thermal insulation regulations and the demand for waste avoidance and energy efficiency. For the first time, sustainability was actively considered – not out of necessity, but out of insight.
Sustainability as a law (2000 – 2010)
The new millennium brought with it the first laws relating to sustainability. EU directives were published and the first certification systems, such as the DGNB, were created. The first life cycle assessments were used to measure a building‘s long-term performance.
Sustainability as innovation driver (2010 – 2025)
Rising emissions are prompting action increasingly. Global climate targets are being set and carbon footprints calculated. With its rich tradition and eventful history, C + P is rising to these challenges as well and adapting to these requirements with innovative products and projects. It is no longer just a matter of being economical, but of building intelligently and efficiently.
What remains?
A look in the rearview mirror shows: Sustainability has never been just a trend. It has been ignored at times, vital for survival at others, enshrined in law at others still - but always a reflection of the times.
And for a company like C + P, which has been rooted in the construction industry for 100 years, sustainability means one thing above all else: responsibility.