From Principles to Practice DIGITAL

Introduction Sustainable and circular Baukultur Phase Zero End-of-life re-use Conclusion Innovative practice Resource Rows, Copenhagen The Hikma Community Complex The Kendeda Building for Innovative Sustainable Design93 94 95 102 110 111 112 118 124Introduction The way we shape our living environments is a signifi- cant factor in creating thriving economies, communities and ecosystems, influencing both prosperity1 and plane- tary health. It accounts for 13% of global gross domestic product (GDP),2 yet is responsible for over a quarter of global greenhouse gas emissions and generates 100 bil- lion tonnes of waste annually.3 The urgency of rethinking how we design, construct and repurpose our buildings and infrastructure has never been greater. To address these challenges, the Davos Baukultur Alliance promotes a shift towards sustainable and cir - cular Baukultur, ensuring that cultural, environmental and economic considerations are embedded from the earliest planning stages – Phase Zero – through to the end-of-life re-use of materials and structures. Phase Zero plays a critical role in reducing waste and emis- sions before a project even begins by integrating circular principles, optimizing land use and driving community engagement. Meanwhile, end-of-life re-use prioritizes the repurposing of buildings, infrastructure and materi- als, helping to cut embodied carbon, preserve resources and reinvigorate spaces. Circular practices are gaining momentum world- wide. Studies show that retrofitting and adaptive re-use can reduce carbon emissions by up to 50%4 compared to new construction. Meanwhile, urban mining and material recovery can significantly reduce reliance on virgin resources by reclaiming valuable materials from existing urban struc- tures and waste,5 conserving natural resources and supporting sustainable construction practices. Moreo- ver, recent policy amendments, such as Serbia’s 2023 Planning and Construction Act, are paving the way for more systematic re-use at scale. This paper highlights actionable strategies, case studies and policy approaches demonstrating how Phase Zero and end-of-life re-use can unlock a more sustainable, inclusive and resilient built environment. By embedding circularity into planning and construction, it's possible to reduce environmental impact, cultivate economic opportunity and shape a supportive environ- ment for future generations. Beyond outlining these approaches, this paper reflects a broader commitment to improving the quality of living places. The Alliance seeks not only to implement these strategies within its own network but also to inspire their adoption and acceleration beyond its boundaries. Overleaf: Resource Rows, Copenhagen. Rasmus Hjortshøj 93