Switzerland, pioneer of the circular economy in the construction sector
Construction Suisse, imaginaire
The concept of the circular economy is gaining in importance in the construction sector as a way of tackling climate and resource challenges. A study by the Bern University of Applied Sciences analyses the current state of the sector and highlights the potential.
The Swiss construction sector is undergoing a transformation towards a circular economy. Currently, around 21% of companies have integrated
circular business activities into their model. These measures aim
primarily to reduce the consumption of materials and the environmental impact of the production process. An in-depth study shows that Switzerland is particularly well placed, thanks to its capacity for innovation, to successfully implement circular measures and thereby secure clear competitive advantages.
Although progress in the circular economy varies from sector to sector, the electronics, pharmaceutical and automotive industries in particular are pioneers in Switzerland. However, the construction sector faces specific challenges: Implementation is complex from an organisational point of view and very
different from one region to another in terms of the availability of financial resources and demand. Another obstacle is the often low level of awareness and concerns about
the cost-effectiveness of such measures.
Yet the ecological benefits of the circular economy in the construction industry are obvious. In Switzerland, this sector generates more than 80% of all
waste and is responsible for around half the CO² emissions of an average building. These negative effects can be significantly minimised by early planning measures. This includes taking into account the life cycle of materials and their deconstruction, using recyclable and modular materials.
The economic benefits are also beginning to be felt. Despite
initially higher costs, the market value of these buildings exceeds that of comparable objects. Policy initiatives such as parliamentary initiatives are supporting the circular economy in building design and deconstruction. Strategic planning by building owners, the use of recyclable products and technological innovations such as CO²-absorbing concrete are essential to promote this sustainable practice. Innosuisse’s Circular Building Initiative (CBI) Booster is playing a key role in bringing together different stakeholders and encouraging circular projects.
This global approach will be decisive in transforming the construction sector in a sustainable way and further strengthening Switzerland as a model region for the circular economy in construction.