Circular economy partner from design to demolition, from industry to infrastructure projects

Our deep expertise in circular economy and specialised sustainability teams ensure that we are able to seize all circular economy opportunities profitably and support in solving challenges. Our individual services cover circular economy projects in all sectors, from infrastructure and urban environment development to the circular economy of construction and the development of circular economy in industry.

Our circular economy offering includes, among other things, circular economy strategies, roadmaps, early-stage planning and feasibility studies, as well as concept development, which enable us to integrate the circular economy into our customers’ business. We show in concrete terms how circular economy solutions affect economic performance and how they can reduce costs. At the same time, we take into account obstacles and bottlenecks that may arise in circular economy projects.

We support industry in the design of circular economy areas and plants, the development of industrial symbiosis and the management of value chains. In the circular economy of construction, we develop design solutions to strengthen the circular economy, help our customers  in the demolition planning of buildings  and solve challenges related to the utilisation of recyclable materials. In the infrastructure sector, we promote, among other things, the utilisation of excavation masses and the utilisation of materials. We utilise various digital tools to improve the degree of circular economy. In addition, we offer training, where we discuss, among other things, the requirements of the circular economy in projects.

In our service package, we will also take into account the effects of the Building Act and the EU taxonomy, which will enter into force in 2025, on your company’s operations.

EU taxonomy accelerates circular economy breakthrough and profitability

The importance of the circular economy has already been widely recognised in manufacturing, construction and infrastructure construction. It is worth investing in the circular economy for several reasons.

The European Union’s taxonomy sets standards for a sustainable economy. Sustainable finance emphasises environmental and social factors, which makes the circular economy an attractive investment. These actions will not only raise the profile and attractiveness of companies’ ESG (environmental, social and governance issues) to investors. They also open up new business opportunities and reduce risks arising from the use of natural resources.

In addition, the EU Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) requires companies to report more accurately on their sustainability and compliance with the EU taxonomy, which also highlights the importance of the circular economy.

The EU taxonomy sets strong requirements for the circular economy in the construction sector. It requires at least 70% of non-contaminated construction and demolition waste to be reused, recycled or otherwise recovered.

To achieve this, better data collection and utilisation of digitalisation are needed, among other things. Promoting the circular economy strengthens taxonomy-compliant business and facilitates access to sustainable financing for projects.

Our Urban Insight report sheds light on how buildings can be transformed from material consumers to material banks.

Expert in circular economy, resource efficiency and value chains in all industries

At Sweco, we understand the importance of resource efficiency and its various applications in all industries, the built environment and industry. Resource efficiency contributes not only to minimising the use of virgin materials, but also to reducing energy and water consumption, combating climate change, reducing carbon dioxide emissions and preserving biodiversity. The circular economy also plays a key role in meeting the requirements of sustainable financing and sustainability reporting.

In circular economy processes, different actors form value chains in which multidisciplinary cooperation is at the core. Sweco’s experts have extensive experience in different industries, materials and their special characteristics, as well as in coordinating and managing industrial symbiosis or circular economy cooperation.

Therefore, we are able to identify synergies between different actors and promote value chain cooperation. Circular economy value chains, their identification and coordination are related to both industry and construction.

The infrastructure sector is a significant part of circular economy value chains, especially from the perspective of mass recycling. Today, demolition materials for construction, such as concrete and aggregates, are almost fully utilised in earthworks. This makes concrete and aggregate more valuable materials for demolition operators, as they become raw materials for other operators rather than waste.

In the value chain of demolition materials, reuse in construction has also become increasingly topical. The higher up the value chain the material can be utilised, the more valuable it is and its service life is extended.

The preservation of building materials in circulation will become easier when the material description becomes mandatory with the new Building Act in 2025. Digital tools can better manage the reuse of materials.

Circular economy solutions in industry

We support industry operators in utilising circular economy solutions and in the green transition. We help them act responsibly, taking into account sustainability and climate goals.

Circular economy areas and industrial symbiosis

The circular economy creates new business opportunities for industrial sectors. At Sweco, we actively promote the regional circular economy and participate in the development of circular economy areas and industrial parks.

In addition, we focus on identifying industrial symbioses and assessing the impact relationships between different actors, as well as business opportunities and potential risks.  We also act as experts in  designing carbon-neutral battery value chains.

Circular economy investments

When applying new technologies and business models, it is important to comprehensively assess the profitability of the project. We support the customer starting from concept development and preliminary studies in circular economy projects  .

We have solid experience in circular economy investments. In addition, we have expertise in plant design and the utilisation of side streams.

Circular economy consulting in construction

The circular economy of construction is one of our key focus areas at Sweco. Our services cover circular economy projects from the design phase to the demolition of the building, and we tailor them on a case-by-case basis to meet the customer’s needs.

New Building Act 2025

New Building Act 2025

According to the new Building Act, which will enter into force in January 2025  , construction projects must ensure that a material description is drawn up for a new renovation site or a repair site that requires a construction licence. It must contain information on the materials and products used in construction, and a low-carbon assessment is carried out on the basis of it.

Kanavaranta 1

Our experienced circular economy experts compile a circular economy plan tailored for each construction project – whether it is a demolition, renovation or new project. We examine construction projects from the perspective of the circular economy throughout their life cycle and invest heavily in renovation, infill and conversion construction in building design.

The circular economy of construction also involves land use and densification of areas. We deal with zoning change issues, such as raising a block or changing block needs.

Taking circular economy into account in projects is also an essential requirement for certain environmental certifications, such as BREEAM, LEED, WELL, RTS and Swan, in which we have extensive expertise.

Circular economy solutions for construction

  • Circular economy study in repair and demolition sites: In the study, we identify which parts of the property can be utilised as such, which parts can be renovated and which parts need to be replaced or decommissioned. We utilise the latest digital tools in the survey.
  • Demonstration of the suitability of reusable components: We help test reusable construction products for safety, healthiness and conformity for a new use through field and laboratory studies.
  • Circular economy study of space changes: Our architects, structural engineering and building services experts ensure that space changes are carried out in a way that promotes the circular economy, is cost-effective and responsible. We also help our customers with all kinds of repair and renovation services.
  • Taking circular economy solutions into account in design: Our experts take into account the requirements of the circular economy already at the design stage in order to ensure the resource and energy efficiency, dismantling and adaptability of the building required by the EU taxonomy.
  • Modular design: We widely use modular design, innovative approach to construction. In it, structural elements are designed and manufactured according to standardized dimensions and technical characteristics. It enables more efficient execution of construction projects, better quality control and reduces the amount of waste generated by both the construction process and the finished building.

Circular economy in the infrastructure sector

The circular economy has significant potential to save natural resources in the infrastructure sector. Europe produces a huge amount of aggregate, as much as 4.2 billion tons annually. However, only seven per cent of Europe’s aggregates sector currently operates on the circular economy principle. According to the European Aggregates Association (UEPG), the share of the circular economy of materials can be increased to up to 20%.

In our Urban Insight report, we show that if the circular economy rate of aggregates is increased from seven per cent to 20 per cent, the costs of using virgin materials can be reduced by up to six billion euros. This would mean annual material savings of 546 million tons, almost equivalent to Germany’s total annual production.

We have comprehensive solutions for this. Our services cover, among other things, reuse studies in accordance with the Mara Regulation, land use permits, PIMA ground surveys and reuse studies of CE-marked crushed concrete.

Otto-Pekka Pasanen

Circularity, Industry

Ossi Kujala

Climate Risk Assessments

Joonas Ryynänen

Carbon footprint

Elina Virolainen

Carbon footprint

Karoliina Lietonen

EU taxonomy

Tuomas Suur-Uski

Certificates

Leena Pirhonen

Circular Economy, Industry

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