Results of the Solid Unit Spotlight with Minister Dr. Hoffmeister-Kraut
13.03.2026
Figure: Foto Keidel
Sustainable concrete and low-emission reinforcing steel can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of construction—technically, this has long been possible. But in practice, these materials often remain the exception. Why this is the case and how a breakthrough can be achieved was the focus of the Spotlight “Let's get started! Greenhouse gas reduction in reinforcing steel and concrete,” which took place last week at the Werkforum Dotternhausen. The event was hosted by the Solid Unit network and its members Holcim Southern Germany and the Sülzle Group.
The event brought together experts from the fields of architecture, planning, engineering, and industry. Their joint conclusion: the solutions are there, but structural, regulatory, and economic hurdles are slowing down their widespread application.
Politics, planning, and research provide impetus
Dr. Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut, Minister of Economic Affairs, Labor, and Tourism for Baden-Württemberg, emphasized the importance of climate-friendly building materials for the transformation of the industry at the start of the event: “The construction industry plays a key role on the path to climate neutrality. It is crucial that we not only develop innovative materials and processes, but also bring them to a wider audience. Events such as this Spotlight make an important contribution to this.”
In his welcoming address, Stephan Weber, Vice President of the German Chamber of Architects, also emphasized the responsibility of planners: Only by making early decisions in favor of low-CO₂ materials can the existing potential actually be exploited.
Prof. Dr. Lucio Blandini, partner at Werner Sobek AG and head of the Institute for Lightweight Structures and Conceptual Design (ILEK) at the University of Stuttgart, showed how resource-efficient designs and material-reduced construction methods can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of buildings in his keynote speech “Building with concrete: light and sustainable.”
Representatives from Holcim and the Sülzle Group then presented market-ready innovations that are already available today, including low-cement concretes and low-emission reinforcing steel.
Discussions and workshops: Where the problems lie – and what needs to change
In subsequent presentations and a panel discussion involving architects and engineers, it became clear where the problems lie: a lack of planning security, unclear regulatory requirements, insufficient demand in specifications, and a lack of transparency in CO₂ data. At the same time, participants formulated expectations of politicians, building owners, and their own profession: more courage to undertake pilot projects, clearer guidelines, and a better database. The need for closer cooperation between planning, execution, and material manufacturers also became clear.
Concrete solutions: An overview of the most important results
- All stakeholders: Take responsibility, convince people, and work consistently on the basis of facts rather than ideology
- Politicians: Create effective incentives for the use of sustainable materials
- Public clients: Take on a pioneering role and define clear, ambitious requirements
- Planners: Take greater account of the life cycle and systemic effects of building materials and techniques; promote integrated planning and involve all stakeholders at an early stage – for example, via regional networks
- Contractors: Be open to new building materials and changing requirements
- Product manufacturers: Disclose gray emissions transparently and provide easy-to-understand application instructions
“We are at a point where technological solutions are advancing faster than their implementation on the construction site. This is not a lack of innovation, but a structural problem,” emphasizes Tobias Riffel, CEO of Solid Unit. “There are hurdles between development and practice that we can only overcome together: through reliable framework conditions, clear specifications, and clients who consciously demand low-carbon materials. As Solid UNIT, we bring the relevant players together and provide guidance so that good solutions become reliable standards.”
“There are complex challenges on this planet. One of them is the limited availability of resources. Resources that we use today will no longer be available in the future. We are driving resource conservation and the circular economy. Our credo is ‘Build better with less,’” says Matthias Howald, Managing Director of Holcim Süddeutschland GmbH.
Heinrich Sülzle, managing partner of the Sülzle Group: “Completely climate-neutral steel does not yet exist. With Stoox, we are already taking responsibility for our customers by selecting the most climate-friendly suppliers, disclosing the carbon footprint of our reinforcing steel, and making the entire supply chain transparent.”
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Kristine Hebenstreit
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