Introduction of the Swiss circularity indicator for sustainable construction projects
In a significant step towards promoting the circular economy in the Swiss construction and property industry, leading players have presented the guide "Making circularity measurable: a Swiss circularity indicator". This innovative tool enables the evaluation and comparability of circularity aspects in construction projects for the first time, a milestone for the industry to increase resource efficiency.
In order to comply with the principles of the circular economy, which aims to minimise resource consumption, waste and emissions through the circular use of materials, the measurable circularity of construction projects is of crucial importance. The newly introduced guidelines create a basis for objectively assessing and increasing circularity in the construction and property sector in Switzerland. It aims to make the effectiveness of measures to achieve resource efficiency comparable and invites all industry participants to actively contribute feedback and implement the guidelines in their projects.
The guidelines, which can be used for both new buildings and renovations, offer planners and architects a practice-orientated methodology for estimating the material circularity of their construction projects. It is based on European standards and the specific requirements of the Swiss market and supports the industry in implementing circular construction methods.
The application of the guideline in initial pilot projects has already shown how material flows can be optimised and disposal routes made more efficient as early as the planning phase. Based on this experience, building owners can now include quantifiable circularity requirements in tenders, which enables architects and planners to evaluate different construction alternatives in terms of their sustainability. The guide also makes it easier for authorities and legislators to quantify and systematically demand circular economy principles in the construction sector.
The guide was developed through the initiative of the Madaster Switzerland association in collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders, including the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN), property owners, standardisation and certification organisations as well as experts from science and practice. The Madaster platform serves as a central tool for calculating and analysing the circularity data.
The open invitation to feedback from the industry ensures a continuous improvement process and promotes the further development of the guideline. This approach underlines the joint endeavour to make the construction and real estate industry in Switzerland more sustainable and to effectively implement the principles of the circular economy.