Climate-friendly architecture refers to an approach to the planning and construction of buildings that is specifically orientated towards the climatic conditions of a location. The natural resources of the location and the materials found there are combined with modern technologies in such a way that the environmental impact of a building can be kept as low as possible. The aim is to take ecological as well as social and economic aspects into account in a sustainable manner and to design aesthetic buildings with the help of natural and resource-conserving materials.

The focus is on adapting to local climatic conditions such as the position of the sun, wind, temperature and precipitation, with different construction priorities being set depending on the region - such as shading and ventilation in hot areas or heat storage in cold areas. Resource-conserving construction also plays a central role by using durable, environmentally friendly and, where possible, regional materials in order to reduce energy requirements over the entire life cycle of a building. The use of renewable energies and passive strategies such as daylight utilisation and natural cooling increases energy efficiency and reduces CO₂ emissions. In addition, climate-friendly architecture attaches great importance to the needs of users by promoting comfort, healthy living and well-being through good air quality, adapted temperatures and well thought-out room concepts with high aesthetic standards.

Climate-friendly construction pays off for several reasons - ecologically, economically and socially:

• Energy saving and cost reduction: By utilising natural resources such as sunlight, thermal conditions, ventilation and the use of efficient technologies, energy consumption is significantly reduced - and with it the operating costs of a building.
• Climate protection: Climate-friendly construction reduces CO²because it favours renewable energies and environmentally friendly materials. In this way, it makes an active contribution to combating climate change.
• Future security: Buildings that are planned and constructed today to be climate-friendly will meet future legal standards and increasing energy efficiency requirements. This protects against later retrofitting costs and loss of value.
• Healthy living climate: Climate-friendly construction ensures a pleasant and healthy indoor climate through good ventilation, balanced temperatures and natural materials - this increases the well-being of the residents.
• Value enhancement and social responsibility: Sustainably built properties are increasingly in demand on the market. Those who build in a climate-friendly way are not only investing in their own future, but also taking responsibility for future generations.

Numerous concrete measures are available for climate-friendly architecture - both in planning and in structural realisation:

• Site planning: Climate-friendly architecture specifically utilises the natural conditions of the location. In Central Europe, for example, an optimised building orientation enables the passive use of solar heat in winter. At the same time, prevailing wind directions are taken into account to ensure natural ventilation and cooling in summer. Well thought-out shade and sun management - for example with trees, canopies or pergolas - reduces the heat input in summer without impairing solar gains in winter.

• Choice of material: The use of wood, clay, recycled materials and other regional, low-CO₂ raw materials significantly reduces the environmental impact. It is particularly important to use building materials with low "grey energy" - in other words, materials whose production, transport and disposal require as little energy as possible. This not only minimises CO₂ emissions, but also makes an important contribution to resource-conserving construction.

• Energy and building technology: Well-insulated window surfaces enable passive solar energy utilisation, photovoltaic and solar thermal systems generate electricity and hot water for own use. Heat pumps provide energy-efficient heating and cooling, while ventilation systems supply fresh air while minimising heat loss. Green roofs and façade greening also provide cooling, air purification and biodiversity.

Materials for climate-friendly buildings are selected systematically and according to ecological, technical and health criteria. The aim is to use materials that minimise the consumption of resources, environmental impact and energy requirements throughout the entire life cycle - from production and use to dismantling.

• Low grey energy (production, transport, disposal)
• Renewable or recyclable raw materials (e.g. wood, clay)
• Durability and low maintenance
• Harmless to health (free from harmful substances)
• Regionality (short transport routes)
• Reusability or separability by type during dismantling

In Germany, there are numerous state funding programmes for climate-friendly construction and renovation. These are designed to support building owners, local authorities and investors in constructing or modernising environmentally friendly, energy-efficient and sustainable buildings. Those who cleverly combine subsidies and pay attention to quality can save costs and at the same time make a sustainable contribution to climate protection.

• Federal subsidy for efficient buildings (BEG): The BEG is the central funding programme of the federal government - offered via the KfW (Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau) and the BAFA (Bundesamt für Wirtschaft und Ausfuhrkontrolle). 
• QNG - Quality Seal for Sustainable Buildings: Buildings that have been awarded the QNG certificate receive additional funding from the BEG.
• Municipal and state subsidies: Many federal states, cities and municipalities offer their own programmes, e.g. for photovoltaics, green roofs, timber construction, rainwater utilisation, energy advice, etc.
• Tax advantages and advice: There are tax reductions for energy-efficient refurbishment of owner-occupied residential property (in accordance with Section 35c EStG).