Reuse of components
The real estate industry faces the challenge of reducing its material intensity and the associated grey energy. The reuse of building components offers a promising solution that has already been successfully implemented in numerous projects.
The reuse of building components has become increasingly important in recent years, both in the media and in practice. This method helps to significantly reduce grey energy in the real estate sector. Dr Andreas Oefner from Zirkular GmbH shows how targeted measures and innovative projects can promote the circular economy in the construction industry.
Basic principles and processes
Together with the ZHAW, Zirkular has defined the basic processes and work packages in the SIA phases. Important documents such as specialist planning contracts, handover agreements and reinstallation clauses were drawn up and made available online. These measures have significantly expanded the use of reused building components in construction projects.
Successful implementation in projects
Architectural competitions are increasingly integrating circular economy requirements. Component catalogues and building screenings help to identify potential components from dismantled buildings and integrate them into new projects. These components are defined, purchased, dismantled, stored and finally reinstalled. The range of reused components extends from complex load-bearing structures to simple radiators and façade materials.
Significant emission savings
The savings achieved by reusing components are impressive. At component level, the emission savings compared to newly produced components are around 90%. At project level, between 10-50% of construction emissions have been saved in projects that have already been realised.
Challenges and future prospects
Despite the progress made, challenges remain. The reuse processes must be more firmly anchored in the projects. In addition, further clarification is required in the assessment of component categories in order to ensure reusability. The framework conditions of the construction industry also need to be reorganised in order to establish the reuse of building components as part of a comprehensive strategy to reduce emissions.
Responsibility and innovation
Good planners are characterised by the fact that they select the right strategies for their project and take their responsibility towards the project and society seriously. The reuse of building components is an important building block in reducing the exorbitant emissions of the construction industry while continuing to utilise and convert existing buildings.