Circularity

JEAN PIAGET, CIRCULAR INNOVATION

The rehabilitation process based on the circular economy demonstrates that it is possible to transform a public building without wasting existing materials. Through creative reuse and the adaptation of available resources, a renewed space is achieved with a reduced environmental impact, promoting a sustainable and responsible construction model.

Instead of discarding windows, they have been carefully dismantled and subjected to a refurbishment process. Through restoration and adaptation techniques, they have been modified to meet new technical specifications and energy efficiency standards, ensuring their functionality within the renovated building.

The old radiators have found a second life in the building’s public spaces, transformed into original railings and practical bicycle racks. Their sturdy metal structure and design have allowed them to be repurposed without excessive consumption of additional resources, becoming functional elements that reinforce the project’s identity.

The stone waste from the demolition has been crushed and reused as a foundation base for the new structural design and as material for the surrounding environment. This approach not only reduces the environmental footprint of the construction but also optimizes costs and project execution times.

ILLA CREU ALTA: ON-SITE RECYCLING PLANT & RECYCLED MATERIALS 

Illa Creu Alta is a pioneering example of circularity in construction thanks to the implementation of an on-site recycling plant. This innovative approach allows for the management and reuse of 1,860 m³ of debris directly at the construction site, drastically reducing the need for transportation. By avoiding the transfer of 305 trucks (each carrying 8 m³) of waste, the project achieves significant environmental and economic benefits.

Key Benefits:

Reduction of 15 tons of CO₂, equivalent to the absorption of 500-1500 trees per year, decreasing the carbon footprint

Savings of 211,945 MJ in embodied energy, optimizing resource use.

Improved environmental quality around the construction site, maintaining air quality below 1,200 ppm.

30% cost savings in earthworks, thanks to the reuse of materials directly on-site.

By integrating the principles of the circular economy, Illa Creu Alta not only minimizes waste but also establishes itself as a benchmark in sustainable and efficient urban development.

NEW CRODA OFFICES IN 22@: TRANSFORMATION OF MATERIALS

As part of the transformation project for our new offices, material reuse has been a key pillar. Specifically, the glass system from the previous offices has been redesigned to meet current acoustic requirements, aligning with the principles of the circular economy.

This strategy has led to significant environmental and economic benefits. Reusing the glass system has reduced the energy required for project execution by 67%, contributing to a 70% reduction in CO₂ emissions. These figures highlight the positive impact that resource optimization can have in lowering a project’s carbon footprint.

Beyond the ecological impact, the decision to reuse and redesign materials has resulted in a 28% cost savings compared to a standard construction project.

DISMANTLABLE TECHNOLOGICAL COWORKING

This renovation reduces the embedded energy balance and CO₂ emissions by 66% through a construction strategy based on a modular container system. This approach allows the containers to be dismantled and reassembled for reintegration into the market in approximately 20 years, the expected lifespan of this business model. At that point, their life cycle is renewed, while also recovering the initial investment in the containers.

Using containers has resulted in an 11% reduction in construction costs and a 20% (2-week) decrease in execution time compared to conventional office construction methods and materials.

This project achieves a balance between social, environmental, and economic factors, making it an ideal sustainable solution for hosting technology-based companies.