The research institution Bauhaus Earth researches and promotes the use of circular and bio-based materials in construction. In its work it has experienced that inefficient planning is the main driver of costs, and that involving suppliers early in the project can help reduce the price of construction projects.

During the visit of the Big Buyers Working Together Community of Practice on New European Bauhaus (NEB), Bauhaus Earth highlighted data showing that in, for example, timber construction the main costs happen during the planning phase. In Germany, planning phases are highly regulated and materials are usually selected only in the later stages. This can increase costs because changes must be made late in the process. Involving suppliers earlier in the procurement process would allow them to collaborate with contracting authorities during the design phase, which could reduce overall costs.

Bauhaus Earth further noted that whenever it introduces innovative solutions it seeks, and is able, to work within existing procurement and legal frameworks. An example is a project aimed at the transformation of building rooftops, including the creation of new spaces between buildings and the integration of green areas. Here, analysis of construction waste data showed that a large portion of materials could be reused, enabling the development of new building components using reclaimed materials, which are now being scaled up toward industrial production. The project achieved 75% carbon savings compared to conventional approaches.

As part of the NEB Academy, Bauhaus Earth is involved in training programmes taking municipal representatives to forest environments to better understand natural resources, landscapes, and the challenges connected to sustainable construction. This experiential approach aims to raise awareness among city officials about the importance of landscape and material sourcing, knowing that for the implementation of these kinds of innovative projects local actors need to be supported through capacity building, training and collaboration.