85% of waste from offices can be easily reduced

From the analysis of the building operations we found out that 85% of mixed waste can be cut in half. For example, over 30% of waste was from paper towels, which can easily be replaced by electric hand dryers, also saving half a million CZK annually in waste collection and paper towel purchasing. The return on investment is only one year.

Next steps in the process of change: water, energy and education

The case of CTP Brno demonstrates that the principles of the circular economy can be applied to any type of building complex, even existing ones with processes in place. Analysis of waste streams showed that 30% of mixed waste was biodegradable material that could be collected and recovered as biowaste. We also recommended changes related to energy and water management, for example through installation of dual flushing toilets and aerators on water taps to achieve 15% savings in water use. Other recommendations included replacement of tubular fluorescent lamps with energy-saving LED bulbs or the purchase of solar panels. We also consider education to be an important part of such projects, as it introduces building users and contractors  to the basic principles of the circular economy and to new processes and procedures, with a clear explanation of the importance of adopting circular practices.