Reuse - The Path to More Sustainable Construction
The Swedish construction industry needs help with sustainability. In 2020, the industry generated 14.2 million tons of waste, which constitutes approximately 40 percent of all waste in Sweden, excluding mining waste. This enormous amount of waste has a serious environmental impact, but the good news is that much of this material can be reused. By focusing on reuse and circular construction, we can not only reduce the amount of waste but also significantly reduce the construction sector's climate impact.
The Potential of Reuse in the Construction Sector
Reusing building materials is about preserving the energy and natural resources invested in manufacturing them. A building that has stood for a long time has paid off a large part of its "climate debt," the more adaptable it is, the longer it can serve various purposes. In this way, it becomes sustainable in the true sense of the word. According to life cycle analyses by the European Environment Agency (EEA), we can reduce the climate impact of the construction sector by up to 61 percent by applying circular principles. This is an opportunity we cannot afford to overlook.
Interest in reusing construction products is increasing, but it still occurs on a limited scale. Many building components, especially those made of durable materials like minerals, have significant potential for reuse. These materials retain their qualities over time and can be reused in new projects. Despite this, reuse needs to be sufficiently tracked at the national or corporate level, meaning we need a comprehensive picture of what is being reused and to what extent.
Barriers and Opportunities
To achieve a more circular construction industry, we need a larger supply of reused materials, better knowledge, new business models, and developed systems for testing and warranties. Currently, reuse is more common in renovation than in new construction, partly because it is easier to reuse materials when there is already an existing structure to build upon.
Reusing load-bearing components and substructures, such as foundation constructions, presents particular challenges. Although significant climate benefits can be gained from reusing these parts, it is still uncommon. Properly protected wood and steel generally do not reduce their lifespan over time, and the protection can be renewed to extend their usability. However, due to its active chemistry affecting its lifespan, concrete must be carefully assessed before reuse.
The Future of Reuse
To facilitate reuse on a larger scale, we need to adapt planning regulations and build systems that support reused materials. By focusing on buildings' character, values, and qualities rather than specific materials, we can give developers the freedom to choose reused materials that meet the desired requirements.
Sweden's climate goal is to achieve zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045. We need to increase carbon uptake and reduce emissions to reach this goal. Innovations like ground screws can play an important role here. Ground screws, made of galvanized steel, have been shown to reduce carbon emissions by up to 60 percent compared to traditional concrete foundations. With a lifespan of over 100 years in the ground, they offer a sustainable solution for the construction and real estate industry.
The construction industry is transforming toward more sustainable methods, and reuse is a key component of this transition. By adopting circular principles, we can reduce waste, preserve valuable resources, and significantly decrease climate impact. With the right policies, innovations, and greater commitment from all players in the construction industry, we can collectively create a more sustainable future.
Elisabeth Lodin
Press contact
elisabeth.lodin@stopdigging.se
StopDigging is Sweden's largest supplier of cost-effective ground anchoring via ground screws. StopDigging's proprietary ground screws are a modern and cost-effective ground anchor that quickly and sustainably creates a stable ground foundation for large and small construction projects. StopDigging was founded in 2012 and is a pioneer in the construction industry with headquarters in Helsingborg. The company operates globally in the European market, North America, Australia, and New Zealand. The company has over 130 partners, who are authorized installers of StopDigging's ground screw.
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