measures for the built environment in terms of space, transport,
energy, water and materials. These new triads are all based on the same known
principle of the Trias Energetica, which constitutes a three-step strategy to
come to sustainable energy use. Most favourable measures which prevent
energy use are defi ned as the top step and least favourable measures which
only benefi t the energy effi ciency form the last step. In between, the renewable
energy sources have found their position. Analogous to this Trias Energetica,
the terms ‘ Trias Toponoma ’ for space-use, ‘ Trias Poreutica ’ for transport, ‘ Trias
Hydrica ’ for water consumption and ‘ Trias Hylica ’ for materials are introduced and
explained. The framework of triads can be utilized by city planners, architects,
facility managers, house owners, real estate agents and other parties in the
building sector to communicate and make decisions on adopting sustainable
measures, which will help to decrease the environmental impact of the building
sector and to stimulate the development of sustainable buildings.