Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE), Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN), City of Baden
2023 – 2024
Material flow model with environmental impact reduction potential
Action plan for the reuse of building components for the city of Baden
Knowledge transfer on circular construction for other cities
Intep is conducting research into the reuse of building components at city level in collaboration with the Chair of Ecological System Design at ETH Zurich. The project involves modeling component flows, determining environmental impacts, and systematically identifying the necessary framework conditions and measures for widespread application. The city of Baden is participating as a case study.
Buildings are responsible for more than a fifth of greenhouse gas emissions in Switzerland and more than a third across the EU. While CO2-neutral operation has been technically solved, the focus is shifting to so-called grey energy, which is consumed during the construction of a building as well as the production and transportation of its components. Reusing built materials and components can minimize the amount of grey energy required and conserve resources. This “reuse” is relevant for renovations, conversions and new buildings.
The potential of reuse to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is the focus of the “Buildings and Cities” research program of the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE). Within this framework, intep and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich launched the research project “Reuse on the way to the net-zero target for buildings”.
Using the city of Baden as an example, the potential of reusing building components is being determined – accompanied by the Chair of Ecological System Design at ETH Zurich. We calculate the potential long-term reduction in gray greenhouse gas emissions, gray energy and overall environmental impact through reuse. To this end, we are developing a model to capture the component flows and environmental impact at city level.
We then develop organizational, economic, legal and social framework conditions for the widespread implementation of reuse across Switzerland. Together with decision-makers, we develop recommendations for action and an action plan for the city of Baden in a workshop. We prepare the research findings for the public dissemination and share knowledge with other cities. With this research project, we contribute to extending the product lifespan and promoting the circular economy in cities, which is essential for achieving climate and environmental goals.
We look forward to receiving your detailed application documents with a letter of motivation to bewerbung@intep.com or simply via this form:
