"We destroy what we seek by finding it."
(Markus Enzensberger)

This negative effect, recognized by Markus Enzensberger, can be found in a variety of economic sectors. Sustainable acting significantly decelerates this destructive process, considering both, current and prospective needs.

Tierralinda pursues the ambition of procuring objects and projects which provide a sustainable orientation. The supply with renewable energy is one of the most important aspects concerning this kind of orientation. Other aspects are the aesthetic integration into the particular environment as well as advisedly selected building materials.

Sixth part of the worldwide drinking water deficit is caused by inefficient building structures. Buildings are also responsible for fourth of the worldwide deforestation. A bad energy balance is also a phenomenon which occurs very often (Roodman and Lenssen, 1995).
Hence, sustainable building is an opportunity to realize economical, energy saving and healthy projects. Sustainability is considered as a concept which satisfies all current needs of housing without burdening following generations with an unattractive architecture or disposal problems.
Sustainable buildings are supposed to be embedded into the natural flow patterns of materials and component substances. Therefore it is important to consider the disposal of existing building structures. But also during its existence it shall be as eco-friendly as possible.
Basically, the following points are crucial for a sustainable approach:

• The application of building materials which can be easily disposed. These are at best biological and recyclable materials.
• A minimal amount of energy costs during the construction phase as well as during the time of utilization.
• Usage of regenerative energy sources.
• Avoidance of toxic materials.
• Keeping the area of sealed natural ground as small as possible.
• Sustainable water management, for example via separate supply of drinking water and wash water.

How can you identify a sustainable constructed building?
A sustainable building is a construction which is planned, built, renovated, used or recycled in an ecological way. Other attributes are healthcare, increased productivity (commercial buildings), efficient usage of energy and water and last but not least the minimization of the impact on the environment.

What is the economical advantage of a sustainable approach?

Concerning the purchase price, a sustainable building is more expensive than an average, non-sustainable structure. But what crucially matters are the follow-up costs, and this is where a sustainable building clearly beats any common structure.
Usually, a sustainable structure is planned as a whole and not as an accumulation of separate individual systems. Unfortunately, some of the advantages as healthcare, comfort, productivity, pollution avoidance etc. are hardly ascertainable.

Which are the characteristics of a sustainable building?
Among others, the following points can be considered as the central characteristics of a sustainable building:

• Protection of the local environment.
• Carefully selected home appliances, machines etc. in order to consume as few energy as possible.
• Energy conservation up to 40% comparing with common building structures (for example by using renewable energy or by realizing an architecture which provides a smart exposure to light).
• The application of efficient and controlled lighting systems.
• The application of efficient radiators and cooling system.
• Minimization of electrostatic charges caused by electric lights or other electric appliances.
• The implementation of dual pipeline systems in order to reuse recycled water for flushing.
• Rainwater tanks for reconsidered irrigation.
• Minimal water consumption by intelligent flushing systems and special shower heads.
• Water circulation system for a central hot water supply.

On Tierralinda you will not find multi-storied tourist blocks which dispose their sewage directly into the sea.