Circularity

From linear to circular approach

Circularity is a much talked about topic within sustainability, but what does it actually mean?

One simple way to describe the term, is that it concerns the move away from a linear way of looking at consumption, to a circular approach. Instead of looking at it as a one-way journey of taking, making and disposing, the aim is to create a circular flow where waste as a concept is eliminated.

Small things can make a difference

Moving from a linear was of using things to a circular, is a process. However, since also small things can make a big difference, it is important to start the work, to make every resource last as long as possible. This will prolong the life-cycle, increase the value and reduce the environmental impact of products. In more concrete terms, this could include:

Repair – a simple but extremely efficient way to sustain performance and reduce waste
Upgrade and renovate – reduce the need for replacing products by making existing ones last longer, and potentially also work more efficiently
Re-use – collect, refresh and resell second hand products and use appropriate product components as spare parts or as input in new products.
Face-lift – changing the cosmetics, but keeping the core parts of a product, to stay modern and prolong the service-life
Design for disassembly – even before the product is born, it should be designed in a way that facilitates easy reuse and recycling of components and materials

What do we do at Swegon?

We firmly believe in the concept of circularity, and have started the journey towards a circular approach. Here are some examples of things we are working on:

Digital renovation of WISE systems

With the rapid pace of development of software and digital services, the digital aspects of a product may become old-fashioned long before the physical products. Updating the controls of our WISE system for demand controlled ventilation, to make an old version compatible with the new platform, makes it possible to leave most of the hardware in place, but still have a modernized system. It saves materials, production resources, energy and investment costs.

Upgrade of our GOLD air handling unit

Our high quality Swegon GOLD air handling units are developed to last. An easy replacement of components that are known to be worn after a long service time and the addition of new controls makes the unit as new again, and smarter than initially intended. Meaning, the upgrade covers more than the replacement of tangible parts. It is a thorough update including an addition of the latest software, standard in todays’ brand-new GOLD units, now available for considerably older versions.

Maintenance and repairs for prolonged service life

As mentioned above – from a sustainability perspective, repairing an existing unit is often much preferred over installing new equipment and solutions. But that requires an available and knowledgeable service organization as well as spare parts. Luckily Swegon has an outstanding network of skilled support personnel, ready to assist.

Pilot projects for the use of better materials

Recently, a letter of intent was signed with steel producer ArcelorMittal regarding purchase of steel with significantly lower climate footprint than used before. The steel from ArcelorMittal is produced from mainly recycled material and with 100% renewable energy. By using steel that is produced in a process where coal as a source of energy can be completely excluded will reduce our dependency and utilisation of fossil fuels.

To our press release

Renovations as a step towards a circular economy

Statistics show that 75% of Europe's building stock is non-efficient in terms of energy and that 85-95% of the existing buildings will be standing also in 30 years. With that in mind, carefully thought through and exacting renovations with a focus on re-use, avoiding unnecessary use of new materials and products, as well as on reducing energy-dependency is perhaps the means to real change for the future. However, there are things worth knowing when starting a renovation project. See our recommended blogs and reference case below.

Experts' blogs about renovation

Telegrafen in Oslo, Norway