This thesis explores circular construction as a sustainable building method in Basel. Despite efforts to promote sustainability, most buildings in Switzerland do not meet circular construction principles, leading to high energy consumption and emissions. The construction industry has the potential to innovate by incorporating circular economy principles throughout the building process. The thesis studies the factors that encourage or hinder the implementation of circular construction in the Basel region, which can lead to environmental, economic, and social benefits.

First, a PESTLE analysis regarding sustainable construction in Switzerland was conducted. It allows an organization to evaluate external factors (political, economic, sociological, technological, legal, and environmental) that potentially influence its performance and decisions. Publicly available statistics and publications were utilized in the research. At the core, the bachelor thesis focuses on interviews with stakeholders actively involved in sustainable construction in the Basel region. The analysis and questions helped determine the barriers that hinder or promote circular construction.

The findings are that companies in the civil engineering and road construction industry in Switzerland need more knowledge and a more cohesive understanding of sustainable and circular construction practices. Many stakeholders see circular construction primarily involving recycling and reusing concrete and asphalt. However, this lack of knowledge is partly due to internal structures and processes that require CE and a lack of communication among stakeholders. There are also concerns about the quality of recycled building materials, and companies are hesitant to take responsibility for potential mistakes. Using digital solutions such as BIM is possible, but companies need a strategy for implementation. Therefore, a comprehensive and systemic approach involving coordination between different policy areas is also needed to achieve ambitious sustainability goals and overcome these barriers. The scope was limited to construction companies from the Basel region, and future studies should expand to include other stakeholders and areas.