Material life cycle

Optimised use of resources in renovations and new buildings


We want to keep the consumption of resources and the environmental impact caused by the construction, operation and modernisation of our buildings as low as possible. This requires, on the one hand, the use of environmentally friendly materials and, on the other, that materials be kept in circulation for as long as possible. This is why considerations regarding the circular economy are already incorporated into the planning.

 

Goals

  • Sourcing of regional or local materials where possible and appropriate
  • Reduction of the proportion of non-renewable primary raw materials in construction projects
  • Strengthening the circular economy

Strategy

  • Planning for optimal flexibility of use in new buildings and renovations
  • Requirements for business partners regarding reuse and recycling in planning and dismantling
  • Calculation of the carbon footprint in renovations and optimisation proposals
  • Certification of new buildings according to recognised standards

The circular economy starts with planning

Our aim is to build economically and ecologically sustainable buildings that can be adapted to the needs of tenants without consuming large amounts of resources. Considerations regarding the circular economy are therefore incorporated into the planning and communicated to our business partners in the form of corresponding requirements. This includes focusing on the greatest possible flexibility of use and the use of reusable and recyclable materials, avoiding composites that are difficult to separate and using detachable fixings.

We are also working to reduce the consumption of resources when there is a change of tenant. The aim of the increased installation of basic infrastructure and the implementation of flexible usage concepts is to prevent the need for a comprehensive renovation of the rental property with every change of tenant. We can also support our tenants in terms of sustainability when it comes to tenant fit-out.

Information sheets on sustainable tenant fit-out (DE)

Examples from the portfolio

 
Reuse at Peter Merian-Strasse 88, 90 in Basel
When a tenant reduced the size of their rented space, the partition walls from an empty floor were reused in the redesign of the new rented space. The cost saving is negligible, but a lot of grey energy was saved. The willingness of tenants to reuse materials is also important for the success of such reuse projects.
Complex renovation at Bärenplatz in Bern
Many of our properties are listed buildings. Preserving the fabric of the building is a top priority in these cases. The renovation of the listed properties at Bärenplatz in Bern was carried out in close cooperation with the heritage protection authority. For example, original floorboards worthy of preservation were removed, sanded and reinstalled.
Clime in Basel: CO2 reduction thanks to timber construction
The replacement building at Grosspeterstrasse 18 offers a high quality of stay and flexibility of use. The ‘built-in’ CO2 emissions could be reduced thanks to the preservation of the underground car park and the construction as a timber hybrid building.

Further material topics

Climate change
Climate change
Location attrativeness
Location attractiveness
Dedicated team
Dedicated team
Tenant satisfaction
Tenant satisfaction
Financial resilience
Financial resilience
Responsible corporate management
Responsible corporate management