Skanska's pioneering 'remolition' project at the former Merkuria building in Prague's Holešovice district has established a new benchmark for sustainable construction practices, successfully reusing or recycling an impressive 97.4% of materials from the site. This achievement far exceeds the legal requirement of 70% and represents the first initiative of its kind in both the Czech Republic and the broader Central and Eastern European region.
The Brutalist-style office complex, constructed between 1967 and 1971 and later renovated in the early 2000s, yielded over 18,626 tonnes of materials during its carefully orchestrated dismantling process. Skanska invested nearly two years in material mapping and partnership development before beginning the project, resulting in a reduction of CO? emissions by nearly 6,000 tonnes compared to conventional demolition methods.
"As Skanska we are committed to setting new standards for sustainable development across Central and Eastern Europe. Mercury is the first project in the region where we have applied a circular approach to demolition on such a scale, but it will not be the last. We are already working on a similar process for the upcoming deconstruction of the Ilmet building in Warsaw. Our ambition is clear – to make material reuse and low-carbon practices a natural part of how we transform urban spaces," commented Mariusz Krzak, Executive Vice President Operations Poland and Czech Republic at Skanska Commercial Development Europe.
For investors and developers watching the market, this project demonstrates a compelling financial case for sustainable demolition practices. While requiring greater upfront planning and coordination, the approach delivers significant cost savings through reduced waste disposal fees and creates new revenue streams from reclaimed materials. Industry analysts suggest that properties developed with circular economy principles are increasingly commanding premium valuations as ESG requirements tighten across European markets.
Material reuse extended beyond recycling, with concrete (58% of total materials) partially incorporated into new concrete production. Other creative applications included repurposing gravel and tiles for a community garden path at Port7, donating furniture and carpets to a public school and hospital, and providing kitchens for refugee housing. Selected glass elements were transferred to a specialist company working with Saint-Gobain to manufacture facade panels using recycled glass.
"The project has already attracted significant interest from industry leaders eager to learn and implement similar practices. This project goes beyond a single building. It proves that large-scale sustainable practices are both necessary and achievable, benefiting the environment and the industry alike," stated Eva Nykodymová, EHS Manager at Skanska Commercial Development Europe.
People mentioned:
- Mariusz Krzak - Executive Vice President Operations Poland and Czech Republic at Skanska Commercial Development Europe
- Eva Nykodymová - EHS Manager at Skanska Commercial Development Europe
Companies mentioned:
- Skanska - Leading office and living sector developer in CEE
- Saint-Gobain - Global building materials company
- CYRKL - Partner in sustainable demolition
- UCEEB - Partner in sustainable demolition
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