Recycling building materials: How to renovate old properties in an environmentally friendly way

An auctioned existing property is like a treasure chest full of resources, from solid wood beams to window frames to old clay tiles. Those who preserve these treasures instead of discarding them save CO₂, reduce disposal costs, and benefit from Swiss support programs for circular building. This guide will teach you how to strategically integrate recycling and reuse into your renovation, step by step, in a practical and economical way.

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1 Material Audit: The First Step Towards Reuse

1. Pollutant Scan (PCB, asbestos): only clean components are resalable.
2. Feasibility Check: weigh deconstruction time & storage logistics against savings on new prices.

“Every recycled ton of concrete saves around 200 kg of CO₂, so a material audit pays off starting from a deconstruction volume of 20 m³.”

2 Reuse Components Instead of Disposing

Component	Reuse Idea	CO₂ Savings kg/m²*	Platform
Solid Wood Beams	Visible supports, stair treads	▼ 650	Wood4Future, Material Network
Sash Windows	Interior winter windows (heritage suitable)	▼ 280	Reuse Marketplace ZH
Bricks	Re-roofing or replacement for gravel	▼ 170	Zirkulit Hub
Sanitary Ceramics	Art objects, benches (Cradle-to-Art)	▼ 120	Material Exchange Basel

*Source: KBOB CO₂ Factors 2025

3 Using Recycled Materials Smartly

3.1 Concrete Reloaded

• RC Concrete CEM III/B: up to 50% aggregate from demolition gravel, ideal for foundations and ground slabs.
• Zirkulit®: Swiss low-carbon concrete with CO₂ mineralization, already in use in Zurich and Bern.

3.2 Gypsum, Glass, Insulation

• Recycling Gypsum Boards (Rigips Loop), 40% recycled content, identical statics as new products.
• Foam Glass Walls as perimeter insulation: made from old glass, pressure-resistant and vapor-permeable.

4 Low-Tech Upcycling: Small Effort, Big Impact

Upcycling Ideas for DIY Enthusiasts

• Palette Terrace: oiled & screwed, material costs < 25 CHF/m²
• Brick Storage Wall: old bricks as thermal mass behind the oven
• Formwork Acoustic Ceiling: cut boards & hang in grids → Hall reduced by 40%

5 Logistics & Tendering: How to Avoid Construction Delays

1. Just-in-Time Deconstruction: only dismantle components when the new trade is ready.
2. Dual Submission: Contractor offers both conventional and recycled materials, you choose based on price & ecological balance.
3. Plan Reuse Storage Space (20 - 30% of the living space is sufficient for multi-family houses).

6 Funding & Tax Benefits in Switzerland

• Innosuisse "Building Component Cycle": 30% subsidy for pilot projects with ≥ 30% reuse content.
• Cantonal CO₂ Bonuses: ZH, BE, SG grant up to 50 CHF/m² thermal envelope for RC concrete or wood replacements.
• Tax Deduction: All value-preserving recycling measures (concrete, insulation) are fully deductible in the year of execution.

7 Case Study: 1950s Villa Becomes a Circular Showcase

In Lucerne, the Leu family acquired a villa through forced auction in 2022. They deconstructed instead of demolishing, 85% of the materials remained in circulation.
Highlights: 15,000 bricks in re-roofing, interior walls made of rammed earth with recycled gypsum, windows from material network storage.
Ecological Balance: CO₂ savings of 74 tons, renovation costs 18% lower than conventional, value increase of +9%.

8 Quick Checklist: Recycling-Friendly Renovation

1. Book material audit & pollutant analysis.
2. Inventory components with QR codes.
3. Request from reuse platforms & RC suppliers.
4. Use dual submission in tenders.
5. Submit funding applications before deconstruction.
6. Determine construction logistics (JIT deconstruction).
7. Secure CO₂ monitoring & LCA report after completion.

9 FAQ

Can I use recycled concrete for load-bearing components?

Yes, RC concrete classes approved by SIA 2030 are suitable for walls & ceilings up to C30/37, with static proof required.

Does the construction time increase with reuse components?

With good logistics, max +10%. The cost advantage usually outweighs, and deconstruction fees drop significantly.

How do I find craftsmen who work with recycled building materials?

The "Circular Experts" list from Madaster Switzerland lists trained companies by postal code.

10 Conclusion: Circular Thinking Turns Your Auction into an Environmental Win

Those who renovate old properties from forced auctions with recycled building materials hit two birds with one stone: The CO₂ balance decreases, and the economic efficiency increases. Thanks to Swiss funding, growing material exchanges, and clear SIA standards, circular building is no longer a niche project, but the new standard for future-proof investments.