This Master's thesis addresses the environmental impacts of construction, which is one of the main contributors to environmental problems. These impacts are the result of intertwined and interdependent factors, with greenhouse gas emissions and the generation of construction waste being the most prominent impacts. The task focuses on the actors involved in the construction industry, these are designers, contractors, investors and the relevant governmental authorities in the construction sector. Each of these groups has specific tasks, responsibilities and attitudes towards reducing environmental impacts. The latter shall be captured by means of questionnaires. Particular attention is paid to the relevant regulations which set out the current limits and guidelines for reducing environmental impacts. In addition to legislative frameworks, the task also addresses environmentally friendly technologies such as sustainable building materials, renewable energy technologies, zero-waste construction technologies and information and communication technologies. The focus is on their advantages and disadvantages and their potential to reduce environmental impacts. Finally, based on a systematic literature review and an analysis of the responses to a questionnaire, recommendations for reducing environmental impacts in the construction sector were formulated. Recommendations include increasing social awareness, increasing the use of environmentally friendly technologies and methods in construction, and making the strategies of the competent public authorities more consistent with practice. The Task provides a comprehensive view on reducing environmental impacts in construction and highlights opportunities for further research in this field.
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