Circular Facade Design: The Importance of end of life scenarios to reduce environmental Impact
Circular Facade Design: The Importance of end of life scenarios to reduce environmental Impact
Author: Abdelrahman Badr
Supervisors: Prof. Daniel Arztmann(1), Florian Starz(2), and Carmen Herrmann (2).
1. Detmold School of Design, University of Applied Sciences and Arts (TH OWL), Emilienstraße 45, 32756 Detmold, Germany
2. Werner Sobek AG, Albstraße 14, 70597 Stuttgart, Germany
Abstract
This study explores the transition from a linear to a circular economy in the building and construction industry, focusing on the environmental impacts of façade systems in office buildings. The linear „Take-Make-Dispose“ model contributes significantly to resource consumption, waste generation, and CO2 emissions, with the construction sector responsible for 35% of global waste. The EU‘s Circular Economy Action Plan emphasizes designing products to minimize waste and retain resources, highlighting the importance of end-of-life (EoL) considerations in construction. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is employed to evaluate the environmental impacts of design decisions, particularly for stick curtain wall systems, which are widely used in office buildings. The research adopts a mixed methodology, combining literature review and design process analysis, focusing on frame materials (aluminum, steel, wood) and glass options. Three EoL scenarios—reuse, recycling, and demolition—are assessed to determine their impact on embodied carbon. The study is limited to office buildings in Germany, with a case study in Stuttgart, due to the prevalence of stick systems in such structures. Preliminary findings indicate that reuse scenarios generally have the lowest environmental impact, though outcomes vary based on material combinations. By systematically analyzing EoL scenarios, this research provides a framework for optimizing façade designs to enhance sustainability, reduce waste, and promote circularity in real-world construction projects.
Keywords: circularity, end of life scenarios, embodied carbon, stick systems
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