Housing and construction use up land, alter the landscape, consume materials and energy, and impact mobility. However, the negative effects can be significantly reduced through high-quality inward urban development, which is based on sufficient green spaces, developing and renovating existing buildings, high architectural standards, and short distances. This not only benefits soil, biodiversity and the climate, but also quality of life. Furthermore, renovations to make buildings more energy-efficient and the use of environmentally-friendly, reused or recyclable building materials have much potential to reduce material and energy requirements.