Courage for True Sustainability
Interview with Michael Oberfeichtner, CEO of O. K. Energie Haus GmbH
The construction industry is considered the world's largest polluter; it accounts for 40% of global CO2 emissions. A change in thinking is overdue. O.K. Energie Haus GmbH from Großpetersdorf, Austria did not need to rethink in order to set sustainable accents with their work – they have been thinking ecologically sustainable from the beginning. Although its individual wooden houses initially met with great skepticism, the company demonstrated courage, took risks, always remained true to its sustainability principles, and developed new ideas for a better tomorrow based on this.
Wirtschaftsforum: Mr. Oberfeichtner, O. K. Energie Haus has been synonymous with customized, ecological wooden houses for 20 years. You were a pioneer with this idea 20 years ago. How did you manage to prevail?
Michael Oberfeichtner: When we started manufacturing wooden houses in 2004, they were completely different from anything known before, as until then there had only been standard prefab house models available. The fact that my partner Erich Krukenfellner and I focused on customized, ecological wooden houses was no coincidence. We both have always been very close to nature and knew how harmful building materials can affect health. However, initially we encountered great skepticism, many banks rejected us. It was only when a young banker, who wanted to build a house himself, understood our concept that we were able to implement our ideas.
Wirtschaftsforum: 20 years later, O.K. Energie Haus is the winner of the Austrian Sustainability Award and was recently honored in Brussels as one of the ten most sustainable companies in Europe. How did you manage to convince with your concept?
Michael Oberfeichtner: Initially, we were like a startup, but without investors. To gain recognition and attract customers, we attended major construction fairs in Austria where we gave presentations – with moderate success. Our idea of working with cellulose insulation was mostly mocked. Nevertheless, we didn't give up; we spoke with politicians, went into schools to raise awareness about nature. Last but not least, we collaborate with research institutions and universities to further advance the topic of sustainable timber construction. Thus, step by step, we created a new awareness and became more well-known.
Wirtschaftsforum: Were there specific events that acted as a booster?
Michael Oberfeichtner: Yes. Around 2010, the promotion of passive houses began, which led to a rush on passive houses. However, because these were built by inexperienced companies, the quality was poor and the reputation was ruined, so they were eventually replaced by higher-quality low-energy houses. The sustainability idea was also fueled by the climate movement triggered by Greta Thunberg. Suddenly, the topic of sustainability became interesting to the broader public. In 2020 and 2021, the demand for our houses was so high that we had delivery times of 1.5 years.
Wirtschaftsforum: What does the demand look like today?
Michael Oberfeichtner: In Austria, we are in the third consecutive year of recession. Because we planned strategically for the long term during boom times and continued to focus on organic growth and consistent quality, we did not have to lay off any employees in difficult times and instead searched for new niches. Now we are hoping for an upturn. Thanks to our excellently trained employees, whom we do not want to lose, we are well-prepared for this.
Wirtschaftsforum: Planning for the long term is an important corporate motto. At the same time, you are constantly working on new developments. Can you give examples of innovations?
Michael Oberfeichtner: Among other things, we are involved in curtain wall facades. Ecological alternatives to styrofoam are only gradually coming onto the market here. The advantage is that thermal insulation can happen very quickly thanks to new technologies like 3D lasers. A house can be ecologically insulated in just a few days.
Wirtschaftsforum: So you have managed to retain the pioneering spirit of the early days?
Michael Oberfeichtner: Yes, we consistently come up with new ideas and work according to the Kaizen principle, the natural principle of improvement. That's why we encourage our employees to bring in new ideas and suggestions that can make our products and the world a bit better. For this, I have sought employees who are better than me in certain business areas, who are specialized and imaginative.
Wirtschaftsforum: Is there a special spirit behind this development?
Michael Oberfeichtner: Quality of life for our employees and our customers is our priority. We build far-sightedly, based on the Iroquois Seven Generations Principle, which states that every decision one makes should still have positive effects seven generations later. In addition to entrepreneurial foresight, I consider courage an important attribute. During the financial crisis, we had the courage to continue despite difficult circumstances. People trust us; we implement that trust, and in the end, the customer gets a bit more than they expected.
Wirtschaftsforum: What are the future plans?
Michael Oberfeichtner: We have managed to be climate positive, meaning that we store more CO2 in our buildings from the timber of renewable forests than we emit during the entire production and assembly process. For the approximately 20,000 trees that we have used in the last 20 years, we have planted about 35,000 new trees. We want to continue this true sustainability mindset.