We, the architects of the Countdown 2030 association and all signatories, call on Parliament and the Federal Council to stop the unquestioned demolition of buildings and the massive waste of resources and energy during construction!

We demand:

1. Demolition as an exception: A permit requirement for demolition ensures that every demolition is preceded by a careful examination by owners, developers and authorities. Where demolition is unavoidable, ambitious requirements for dismantling and recycling must be made so that less waste is generated and as many components and building materials as possible are reused and recycled.

2. Enough with wrong incentives: Tax deductions and measures that encourage demolition must be eliminated immediately. The disposal of building materials and rubble must be made more expensive so that reuse, repair and recycling become more economically attractive than disposal.

3. More building in existing buildings: A paradigm shift is needed with a focus on building in existing buildings. Renovations, conversions, conversions and structural extensions such as additions and extensions should be given priority over new buildings, making them more attractive.

4. Clear goals for all buildings: Circularity, resource conservation, low land use, net zero greenhouse gas emissions during construction, operation, maintenance and demolition are binding requirements for future construction. In the case of replacement new buildings, it must also be ensured that the new building creates significant added value compared to the existing building and is in the public interest.

5. The public sector leads the way: The federal government, cantons and municipalities should act as role models in all public construction projects in building and civil engineering and show how sustainable construction works. In concrete terms, this means in priority order: 1. Preservation and avoid demolition; 2. Renovation and conversion; 3. Continue construction and additions 4. Circular construction with net zero in construction and operation.