Re-use on the Way to the Net-Zero Target for Buildings

Re-use is a measure on the way to the net-zero target also for indirect or gray greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) from buildings. In order to promote the reuse of building components beyond the application in individual pilot buildings on a broad scale, two aspects are investigated. The potential for reducing grey GHG, grey energy and overall environmental impacts in future construction activities is quantified at the level of a city using the city of Baden as a case study. Obstacles to a nationwide implementation in practice will be systematically identified and recommendations for action for different decision makers will be elaborated.

After considerable progress in reducing the operating energy of buildings, the goal of reducing grey energy or grey greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in construction activities is gaining importance. The re-use of used components is a measure to reduce grey energy and GHG emissions. The question arises as to how important re-use can be in this context and how re-use can be established more broadly in the construction industry beyond implementation in individual pilot projects. The aim of this project is to determine the potential of re-use to reduce grey energy and GHG emissions (environmental potential) at city level. The findings are intended to serve as a basis for sustainability strategies for public and private property owners. It will also show how the conditions for a broader implementation of re-use can be improved and which action approaches are available to various stakeholder groups within the construction industry.