Two years ago, Fabege took a groundbreaking step as the first property company in Sweden to open a full-scale reuse hub – a 2,000-square-metre warehouse where building materials such as glass partitions, ceiling tiles, doors, kitchens, textile flooring and technical installations are given a second life.

But how did it all begin?

Long before the reuse hub came into being, we were actively working with preservation and reuse in our construction projects. With a clear ambition to develop further, we initiated a more systematic approach: a reuse steering group was formed, a strategy was developed, a reuse coordinator was appointed, and we began exploring new methods of working.

The idea of a physical reuse hub emerged from the need for a more streamlined and efficient way to handle and make reused materials accessible – a place where we could store and redistribute items that would otherwise be discarded. Before long, the idea became reality.

What’s happened since the launch?

Since 2023, we have been measuring the amount of reused material in our tenant adaptations. In the two years the reuse hub has been in operation, approximately 178 tonnes of material have been reused, and we’ve reduced CO₂ emissions from our tenant adaptations by a total of 425 tonnes.

Comparing emissions per square metre of lettable office area (LOA), we’ve gone from 56 kg CO₂/sqm in 2022 to 30.8 kg CO₂/sqm in 2024 – a reduction of no less than 45%.

A digital marketplace making a difference

To facilitate the handling of reused materials, we use the digital marketplace Palats. There, we can list materials from our properties after they’ve been inventoried, documented, and had their environmental savings calculated. This enables smoother transfers of materials between buildings – and helps inform sustainable decisions in every project.

Growing interest across the industry

Our reuse hub has become something of a benchmark in the industry. So far, we’ve hosted more than 150 study visits from external organisations – representing some 1,500 visitors who’ve drawn inspiration from our work.

Want to see reuse in action?
We warmly welcome you to visit our local office in Solna Business Park – awarded Sweden’s Most Beautiful Office 2023. Here, reuse has played a central role in the design and fit-out.

Another great example is Veidekke’s new headquarters, also in Solna Business Park, which recently received an honorary mention in the 2024 ROT Award – largely thanks to its ambitious reuse efforts.