Berg² Tübingen

Client: Vermögen und Bau Baden-Württemberg
Project Duration:

• Phase 1: March 2024 – July 2024
• Phase 2: July 2024 – Ongoing

Feasibility Study for the Reuse of Mineral Construction Materials

In northern Tübingen, Berg² is being developed as a modern hospital campus for the University Hospital of Tübingen and the University of Tübingen. As part of a feasibility study and master plan, EPEA – Part of Drees & Sommer and Drees & Sommer assessed how mineral construction materials from the demolition of 15 existing buildings and excavated soil materials could be reused.

Potential for Circularity and Greenhouse Gas Reduction

The study results demonstrate that local processing at a temporary recycling facility could enable:

• Reuse of approximately 23,000 tonnes of construction waste.
• Reuse of approximately 248,000 tonnes of excavated soil material.
• Avoidance of around 17,300 truck journeys.
• Savings of approximately 690 tonnes of CO₂ emissions.
• Preservation of approximately 113,000 m³ of landfill capacity.
• Significant reduction in the demand for primary raw materials such as gravel.

The analysis also highlights economic benefits: local processing is already about 10% more cost-effective than conventional disposal methods. With increasing raw material prices, transportation costs, and carbon pricing, the economic advantage is expected to grow further.

An innovative aspect of the study is carbon storage through carbonation. This process enables approximately 10 kilograms of CO₂ to be permanently bound per tonne of processed demolition concrete.

The project supports the objectives of Baden-Württemberg’s strategic dialogue on “Affordable Housing and Innovative Construction” and demonstrates how regional secondary raw material hubs can facilitate the transition toward circular construction practices.