Circular economy
Circular economy in the construction industry – responsibility for today and tomorrow
According to the definition of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, the circular economy is a system in which materials never become waste and nature is regenerated. In the circular economy, raw materials and products must be managed in energy and material cycles that are as closed as possible. They must be used efficiently and for as long as possible.
The circular economy is supported by the transition to renewable energies and materials and is a resilient system that benefits the economy, society, and the environment. The circular economy is based on three principles:
Eliminating waste and environmental pollution
Putting products and materials (at their maximum value) into circulation
Regenerating nature
Circular economy in construction – 10R
The construction and operation of buildings and infrastructure are responsible for approximately 50 percent of the demand for raw materials, over 80 percent of waste generated, and around a quarter of Switzerland's total greenhouse gas emissions. Every building consumes materials, energy, and land – and leaves its mark on future generations. With our circular economy approach, we ensure that construction projects not only meet today's requirements, but also optimise the use of construction resources by promoting building components and materials at their peak performance level within the technical cycle. Emch+Berger consistently integrates the principles of the circular economy into its planning and implementation processes. We are guided here by the 10R principles (refuse, rethink, reduce, re-use, repair, refurbish, re-manufacture, re-purpose, recycle, recover). These strategies, which represent the different levels of the circular economy hierarchically and highlight their potential for use, can be divided into three categories:
R0 Refuse , R1 Rethink , R2 Reduce consist of reducing cycles through intelligent production and use of materials and energy.
R3 Re-use, R4 Repair , R5 Refurbish , R6 Re-manufacture , R7 Re-purpose aim to slow down the cycles and extend the lifespan of products and the materials they contain.
R8 Recycle and R9 Recover consist of closing the cycles through the sensible recycling of materials.
Sustainable planning, future-proof construction
For us, the circular economy means considering the entire life cycle of a building right from the early project phase. We examine how far material can be dismantled and re-used, develop concepts for resource-efficient operation and flexible uses, and take into account the requirements of the next generation. This results in buildings, sites and infrastructure that can be adapted to changing needs and retain their value for decades.
Benefits for building owners and operators
Reduction in construction and operating costs through efficient use of resources
Longer lifespan and greater stability in the value of buildings
Improved sustainability ratings and funding opportunities
Greater acceptance through environmental and social responsibility
Our services in the circular economy
Emch+Berger offers a wide range of services that can be individually combined depending on the project.
Consultancy and analysis
Consultancy with regard to resource-efficient planning and implementation, from the project idea to implementation
Life cycle costs and environmental impact assessments as a sound basis for decision-making
Sustainability assessments for buildings and infrastructure based on established standards
Planning and Implementation
Sustainable materials management, including concepts for re-use and potential for dismantling (easy separation, e. g. avoidance of bonded building materials or concepts for the recycling of electrical installations)
Planning with recyclable and durable building materials
Integration of renewable energy sources into project development
Operation and life cycle
Maintenance and usage concepts that allow for flexible adaptation
Minimised energy consumption during operation
Linking to BIM to secure building data and transparency throughout the entire life cycle
Recyclable materials and future-oriented planning
Choosing the right building materials is crucial for the sustainability of a project. We rely on durable and recyclable materials that can be reused even in the case of deconstruction. At the same time, we develop modular and flexible building structures that can be adapted over time – whether through repurposing, expansion, or dismantling. This forward-thinking planning creates significant added value for building owners and operators.
Digitalisation as a driver of the circular economy
Digitalisation is a key factor for success when implementing the circular economy. With Building Information Modelling (BIM) in the construction industry, we ensure that all relevant building data is precisely documented and available throughout the entire life cycle. This allows materials to be clearly identified, their reusability to be verified, and enables efficient planning of future renovations. Combined with modern methods such as lean construction and digital project management, we create transparency, efficiency, and quality.
Responsibility that extends beyond the project
For Emch+Berger, the circular economy is not just a technical concept, but part of our corporate responsibility. We always consider buildings in the context of their ecological and social impact. By conserving resources, avoiding waste, and increasing energy efficiency, we help to minimise the ecological footprint of the construction and real estate industry. At the same time, we strengthen our clients' competitiveness, because sustainable projects are increasingly becoming a decisive factor for investors, users, and the public.
Why Emch+Berger?
For over 70 years, we have been planning and implementing buildings that stand the test of time. Today, we combine this experience with a clear commitment to sustainability. Our interdisciplinary teams bring together expertise in building construction, infrastructure, energy and environmental planning, developing solutions that are sound from an ecological, economic and social aspect. We are convinced that the circular economy is not a trend, but the foundation for responsible construction and operations in the future – and we help our clients pursue this path successfully.