This is the third project in Europe and a first for Switzerland. Green has teamed up with Implenia, Ernst Schweizer and Hydro Building Systems to implement this innovative solution. The use of recycled end-of-life aluminium leads to a significant reduction of the CO2 footprint by a factor of 40 and more than 167 tonnes of CO2 emissions are saved.
The 100% recycled aluminium is used in the façade elements and reduces the CO2 footprint by a factor of 40 compared to primary aluminium, without compromising on quality. Roger Süess, CEO of Green, explains: “We are constantly exploring innovative ways to use new materials and are delighted that we have succeeded in doing so in collaboration with our partners.”
Aluminium is considered a pioneering material for sustainable construction due to its strength, lightness and durability. It can be recycled almost indefinitely, using only 5% of the energy required to produce primary aluminium. Due to these excellent recycling properties, aluminium is already seen as an important part of a circular economy and its importance in the construction industry is expected to increase.
The façade elements for the new office building will be manufactured by Ernst Schweizer AG, while the aluminium will be produced by the Norwegian Hydro Group. This is currently the only manufacturer that can produce high-quality 100% end-of-life aluminium without the addition of primary aluminium and with a near-zero CO2 footprint. Although recycled end-of-life aluminium is currently available in small quantities and is associated with higher costs, the four partners are setting an example by using this promising material in Switzerland for the first time.
