{"id":33891,"date":"2022-07-11T15:52:24","date_gmt":"2022-07-11T12:52:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sweco.fi\/?page_id=33891"},"modified":"2026-02-02T14:25:52","modified_gmt":"2026-02-02T12:25:52","slug":"circular-economy","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.sweco.fi\/en\/sustainability\/circular-economy\/","title":{"rendered":"Circular economy"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\n\t\t\t \n \n \t Areas and industrial \n symbioses <\/i>\n <\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/a>\n\t\t\t \n \n \t Circular economy value \n chains <\/i>\n <\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/a>\n\t\t\t \n \n \t Circular economy in demolition \n projects <\/i>\n <\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/a>\n\t\t\t \n \n \t Investments into circular \n economy <\/i>\n <\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/a>\n\t\t\t <\/div>\n\t<\/section>\n\n\n\n\n
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Circular economy partner from design to demolition, from industry to infrastructure projects<\/h1>\n

Our deep expertise in circular economy and specialised sustainability teams<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

We support industry in the design of circular economy areas and plants, the development of industrial symbiosis<\/a> and the management of value chains<\/a>. In the circular economy of construction, we develop design solutions to strengthen the circular economy, help our customers\u00a0 in the demolition planning of buildings <\/a>\u00a0and 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Discover our projects!<\/h3> <\/div>\n \n
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The municipality of Ii received a concrete master plan for the S\u00e4\u00e4skenharju circular economy park<\/p>

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More than 96% of all demolished materials from an old apartment building in Suonenjoki were recycled<\/p>

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Recycling rate of Savo Vocational College\u2019s demolition increased to 92%<\/p>

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Quantity surveying and cost accounting support the circular economy of Keran Hallit demolition project<\/p>

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EU taxonomy accelerates circular economy breakthrough and profitability<\/h2>\n

The importance of the circular economy has already been widely recognised in manufacturing, construction and infrastructure construction.\u00a0It is worth investing in the circular economy for several reasons.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Our Urban Insight report sheds light on how buildings can be transformed from material consumers to material banks.<\/p>\n

Expert in circular economy, resource efficiency and value chains in all industries<\/h2>\n

At Sweco, we understand the importance of resource efficiency and its various applications in all industries, the built environment and industry.\u00a0Resource 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.<\/p>\n

In circular economy processes, different actors form value chains <\/a>in which multidisciplinary cooperation is at the core.\u00a0Sweco’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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

The infrastructure sector<\/a> is a significant part of circular economy value chains, especially from the perspective of mass recycling. Today, demolition materials<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Circular economy solutions in industry<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Circular economy areas and industrial symbiosis<\/h4>\n

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.<\/p>\n

In addition, we focus on identifying industrial symbioses<\/a> and assessing the impact relationships between different actors, as well as business opportunities and potential risks.\u00a0\u00a0We also act as experts in \u00a0designing carbon-neutral battery value chains<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Circular economy investments<\/h4>\n

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\u00a0 .<\/p>\n

We have solid experience in circular economy investments.<\/a> In addition, we have expertise in plant design and the utilisation of side streams.<\/p>\n

Circular economy consulting in construction<\/h2>\n

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 <\/a>the building, and we tailor them on a case-by-case basis to meet the customer’s needs.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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New Building Act 2025<\/h2>\n \t\t<\/div>\n \t\n\t\t
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New Building Act 2025<\/h2>\n\t \t\t<\/div>\n\t \t\t\t\t

According to the new Building Act, which will enter into force in January 2025 \u00a0, 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.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n

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Our experienced circular economy experts compile a circular economy plan tailored for each construction project \u2013 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<\/a> in building design.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Circular economy solutions for construction<\/strong><\/h4>\n