The construction industry is among the most resource-intensive sectors worldwide. To help address this, the IGCE, in collaboration with the Institute of Waste Management and Circularity at BOKU, has developed the Circularity Factor 1.0 (ZiFa 1.0) – a tool to evaluate the circularity of buildings.

 

ZiFa 1.0 assesses buildings based on 8 key indicators:

  1. Materials Used – Are primary or secondary raw materials being applied?
  2. Life Cycle Assessment – What is the building’s environmental impact over its lifespan?
  3. Usage Intensity – Is the available space being used efficiently?
  4. Flexibility & Repurposability – Can the building adapt to future needs?
  5. Durability & Repairability – Is the structure designed for long-term use and easy maintenance?
  6. Deconstruction & Reusability – Can components be disassembled and reused?
  7. Recyclability – Can the materials be recycled at end of life?

  8. Disposal – How much waste ends up in landfill?

     

ZiFa 1.0 was developed in cooperation with the City of Vienna and supports planners and stakeholders in implementing circular construction strategies — from early planning to realization.

 

Learn more:
https://www.wien.gv.at/spezial/studien/mdbd/orientierungsleitfadenzirkularitaetsfaktor2024.pdf