The aim of the new Center for Energy-Saving and Ecological Building of the Münster Chamber of Crafts is to draw the attention of those involved in construction to new building techniques and ecological building materials, as this is the only way to achieve the quality standards of the Energy Saving Ordinance (EnEV).

The building complex consists of two buildings, the demonstration center and the seminar building. The demonstration center with its glass foyer is used for exhibition purposes. On display are original replica construction details with the building materials used.

Attached to the demonstration forum is a terraced house. The three units of the “terraced house” demonstrate different energy standards:
Low-energy house (35kWh/m²a) - Passive house (12kWh/m²a) - Nearly zero-energy house (solar energy). These buildings are predominantly constructed from renewable raw materials. The buildings are heated with solar heat, wood pellets and geothermal energy. The forum is cooled using a solar-powered absorption refrigeration system. Solar energy is used for cooling.

The concept of the demonstration center follows a holistic approach that combines planning, implementation and use.
The structure is intended to develop exemplary solutions for energy-saving, ecological and innovative construction, implement them cooperatively and present them clearly and comprehensibly in the demonstration center. Energy consumption and construction behavior of the buildings are to be recorded and illustrated using measurement and display systems. Sectional models of the real wall structures and material combinations illustrate the construction and make it “understandable”.

The funding of the project has made it possible to optimize and concretize the plans with a top-class team of experts, including the Fraunhofer Institute.

In addition to the information and advisory forum, the buildings house additional teaching and seminar rooms, office space and apartments for guests of the HBZ. The “Competence Center for Building with Renewable Raw Materials” is also based here.