From Principles to Practice DIGITAL

Sustainable and circular Baukultur The Davos Baukultur Alliance is a global network of stakeholders committed to cultivating high-quality living places through more sustainable practices in the built environment that prioritize culture and well-being. “Baukultur” is a compound German word that translates to “building culture”. It encapsulates a holistic approach to designing, building and maintaining human habitats, with an emphasis on locally relevant building practices and the cultures from which they emerge. Sustainability and circularity represent one of the four impact areas of the Alliance, driving sustainable and circular construction models, re-use and retrofitting of buildings and infrastruc- ture, demand reduction and improved spatial planning to advance net-zero and nature-positive communities. High-quality, sustainable and circular Baukultur integrates circular objectives within a more holistic framework of social, spatial and economic outcomes. It is aligned with the eight criteria of the Davos Baukultur Quality System. These interconnected dimensions inform the holistic approach to embedding sustainability and circularity into high-quality Baukultur and urban develop- ment, optimizing resource use, reducing environmental impact and creating lasting economic and social value. To advance these principles, this paper explores two key impact areas: ▪Phase Zero emphasizes early-stage planning and gov - ernance structures that embed sustainability from the outset, ensuring long-term resilience and adaptability. ▪End-of-life re-use focuses on extending the life cycle of buildings, materials and infrastructure by repurpos- ing and reintegrating existing assets. Through case studies, best practices and policy approaches, this paper outlines actionable strategies for embedding Phase Zero approaches into urban devel- opment and maximizing end-of-life re-use to reduce environmental impact and create lasting value. 95Phase Zero The Davos Baukultur Alliance defines Phase Zero as “the critical, iterative process at the earliest stages of planning and urban development – often considered the preparatory or exploratory stage – which establishes the foundational conditions for integrating sustainability, cir - cularity and cultural considerations”. Phase Zero is not linear. It emphasizes collaboration and necessitates a systems approach that balances regulatory frameworks with stakeholder alignment and community engage- ment on circular land use, buildings and materials. By addressing these key considerations early, Phase Zero embeds Baukultur principles in strategic planning, gov - ernance and economic models across public and private sectors. This sets the foundation for high-quality urban transformation aligned with climate and societal goals. Demand-side decisions in Phase Zero In Phase Zero, focusing on demand-side decisions is crucial for enhancing resilience and preventing ineffi- ciencies, making it essential in policy-making, business strategy and sustainable development. By understanding and managing demand from the start, stakeholders can ensure that resources are used effectively, system loads are balanced and sustainability and resilience goals are aligned. This approach reduces unnecessary spatial expansion and facilitates cost savings through demand management strategies. Demand-side decisions are critical for shaping sub- sequent choices and mitigating risks before committing significant resources, and guiding investments towards the most impactful and regenerative solutions. Universal applications for Phase Zero across public and private sectors Phase Zero can be effectively used for planning and investment projects of all scales. While Phase Zero applies universally, its implementation varies between the public and private sectors due to differences in scope, governance and strategic priorities. In the public sector, Phase Zero may focus on long-term public benefits, equity and stakeholder engagement, driven by regulatory requirements and community needs. Public interventions prioritize resilience across diverse populations and may involve coordination with multiple stakeholders. In contrast, the private sector tends to focus on oper - ational efficiency, risk mitigation and profitability. For the private sector, Phase Zero is often geared towards opti- mizing internal processes, reducing costs and adapting to external shocks. Public- versus private-sector interventions in Phase Zero: Public-sector applications (long-term strategic plan- ning): Governments and municipalities use Phase Zero to shape policy frameworks, zoning regulations and sus- tainability mandates that set the foundation for resilient urban growth. This includes: ▪Establishing long-term land-use strategies that pri- oritize climate adaptation, biodiversity and inclusion ▪Defining zoning and regulatory incentives to encour - age mixed-use development, resource efficiency and circular economy integration ▪Implementing stakeholder-driven co-creation pro- cesses to integrate community needs, cultural identity and equitable resource distribution into planning