Project Description

Consulting module “Sustainability by design for energy infrastructures”

Sustainability must not be a secondary objective – it must be considered from the outset. Sustainability by design means planning heating networks and energy grids in such a way that they not only function technically and economically, but are also ecologically and socially sustainable. EXAVY supports local authorities, network operators and developers in integrating sustainability into technology, planning and decision-making structures at an early stage – systematically, measurably and effectively.

What is being developed in a structured consultation process?

  • Sustainability principles in system design – definition of design criteria for material selection, energy efficiency, scalability, recyclability

  • Ecological optimization of technology variants – evaluation of generators, grids, buffers, sources and operating concepts with regard to CO₂, efficiency and environmental impact

  • Life Cycle Thinking and Design for Impact – Life cycle analysis of heating infrastructure – planning, construction, operation, dismantling

  • Link to ESG and taxonomy criteria – Integration of regulatory requirements into design processes

  • Integrating stakeholder and benefit perspectives – involving users, communities and investors in sustainable system design

  • Indicator set and monitoring capability – development of a measurable target system for sustainability in design

Scope of the module

Exavy makes sustainability the basis of its design. We support the development of your grid systems from the outset along clear sustainability principles – from technology to impact measurement.

  • Design guidelines for sustainable infrastructure

    • Derivation of sustainability principles for the project (e.g. modularity, resource efficiency, local value creation)
    • Link with SDG, ESG, EU taxonomy, BEW requirements
    • Development of a catalog of criteria for technology, materials, logistics and energy

  • Comparison of variants & environmental impacts

    • Ecological assessment of technical variants (LowEx, cold network, source mix, etc.)
    • CO₂ impact, primary energy use, land and resource consumption
    • Life cycle indicators for decision templates and planning optimization

  • Design for circularity & resource optimization

    • Evaluation of deconstructability, material selection, maintenance intensity and recyclability
    • Recommendations for reducing gray energy in construction (e.g. through choice of materials, construction method)

  • Systemic integration in planning & awarding

    • Formulation of sustainability criteria for service descriptions, tenders and specifications
    • Integration in planning processes, feasibility studies, approvals
    • Support with funding applications and sustainability reports (e.g. BEW Module 1, CSRD)

  • Indicators & monitoring

    • Development of a set of sustainability indicators for planning and operation
    • Preparation of digital monitoring processes
    • Recommendation for sustainability-oriented controlling

Promise of results: Sustainability becomes the planning standard

  • a project design that integrates sustainability from the outset

  • a cross-variant sustainability comparison as a basis for decision-making

  • an indicator-based target system for planning, implementation and promotion

  • a catalog of requirements for tendering and technology procurement that makes the ecological impact measurable

  • a design process that systematically strengthens eligibility, ESG compliance and social acceptance