Integrating Urban Mining and Reuse in the Design of a Circular Façade Renovation Module

Abstract

The construction sector is a major contributor to global environmental pressures, responsible for 40–50% of resource extraction, 60% of waste generation, and roughly one-third of CO2 emissions. Transitioning to a circular economy (CE) is an essential pathway to resource efficiency and carbon reduction. Urban Mining (UM), as the systematic recovery of materials and components from the built environment, offers significant potential to reduce embodied impacts and resource dependency. However, the integration of UM into renovation and new-build design processes remains limited, particularly for industrialised façade systems, where modularity could enable more circular practices. This paper presents a UM-based approach for circular façade renovation, with a focus on the recovery and direct reuse of legacy resources that avoid the embodied energy of new production. Evidence shows that reused components consistently demonstrate lower Global Warming Potential (GWP) and primary energy demand compared with recycled or virgin materials. A modular, multifunctional façade renovation system is used as a case study to evaluate component recoverability, technical suitability, and logistical feasibility. Alternative materials for insulation and cladding is evaluated concerning their potential as reused or recycled resources. Applied to a school renovation project, reclaimed resources are integrated in the process for the cladding design strategies. Findings demonstrate that UM can support scalable, modular renovation solutions aligned with broader sustainability goals.