The construction sector is one of the most resource-intensive economic sectors in the world - in Switzerland alone, it generates around 80 % of total waste generated. In view of scarce raw materials and growing environmental pollution, the concept of the circular building increasingly becoming the focus of attention. The aim is to keep materials in the Circulation instead of disposing of them after use. But how can the principle be implemented in practice - and what role do planners, building owners and politicians play?

What does circular construction mean?

Circular construction refers to a construction method in which buildings, components and materials are planned, manufactured and used in such a way that they can be reused, recycled or dismantled according to type at the end of their service life. This is in contrast to the linear "take - make - waste" model, in which raw materials are extracted, processed, utilised and finally disposed of.

Every wall, every building component is regarded as a temporary resource - with the aim of returning materials to the economic cycle after use instead of dumping or incinerating them.

Rethinking material flows in the construction industry

Material flows in the construction industry encompass the entire journey of a building material - from raw material extraction to production, transport, installation, utilisation, dismantling and recycling. In order to close the cycle, all of these steps need to be reconsidered:

• Raw materials: Use of renewable, recycled or secondary materials instead of primary resources.
• Manufacture: Resource-saving, modular and deconstructable building products promote recyclability.
• Planning: With the help of BIM (Building Information Modelling), materials can be precisely recorded and dismantling processes can be prepared.
• Construction method: Dismountable connections (e.g. screws instead of gluing) enable subsequent reuse.
• Utilisation & dismantling: Documented buildings facilitate the reuse or continued use of components.

 
Advantages of circular construction 
 Ecological advantages

• Lower CO₂ emissions thanks to reduced production of cement and steel.
• Less extraction of primary raw materials.
• Reduced landfill space requirement.

 
Economic advantages

• Lower disposal costs.
• Long-term value retention of the materials.
• New business models through component trading or take-back guarantees.

 
Social benefits

• New jobs in dismantling, sorting and recycling.
• Promotion of local value chains.
• Change in awareness in the use of resources.

 
Challenges and solutions

Despite the clear advantages, circular construction is not yet the standard - and for good reason:

• Legal frameworks are often not yet designed for reuse.
• There is a lack of economic incentives for recycled materials and dismantlable structures.
• The transfer of knowledge is inadequate: many planners and building owners are familiar with the concept, but not the actual implementation.

 
What is needed now

Politicians must create binding framework conditions through targeted funding programmes, legal adjustments and a resource passport for buildings. This is the only way to realise the benefits across the board.

Conclusion: Building in cycles is the future

Circular construction is no longer a vision of the future, but an urgent necessity. It combines ecological responsibility, economic efficiency and social relevance. For circular construction to become the norm in Switzerland, all parties involved need to work together - from planning to dismantling. After all, intelligent resource management is the only way to make the construction sector sustainable.

The motto is: Reuse instead of throwing away.