Circular economy
Saving our planet means reducing waste. As a major player in the real estate sector, we are doing our part in this shared effort and taking a circular economy approach in our projects. We are committed both to limiting our consumption of building materials and to smart reuse.
Reasons for our commitment
Two-thirds of the waste managed in France originates on construction sites. To offset this, all real estate companies will soon be required to recover 70% of their waste. We didn't wait for this regulation to get started. And we’re taking it a step further by cutting raw material consumption at the source and opting for eco-designed products. We continue these efforts until just after our buildings open for service, reusing for example by as much of the hot water and wastewater as possible. Lastly, we extend the lifespan of our buildings while remaining mindful of changing user trends. Our commitment to the circular economy is more than just words. It's actions.
Our objectives
- Using digital marketplaces to find operators ready to reuse construction site waste
- Automating material reuse audits prior to transformation, as we did for "l1ve" at 75 avenue de la Grande Armée.
- Reusing resources yet to be recovered, like heat generated from data centers or kitchens
- Integrating the circular economy beginning with the building design stage to extend their lifespan
Our performance
A commitment to the circular economy must be in the form of concrete acts. Our current initiatives and how well they are performing illustrate our commitment.
As at December 31, 2019.
+ 83 t
of raw materials re-used
91%
of waste recycled into raw materials
98%
of waste upgraded in matter or energy
Our main initiatives
We have mobilized for the circular economy during the construction phase and while operating our buildings. Our customers share our concerns. We do everything we can in this regard whenever possible.
- In 2019, we have signed a framework contract to systemize the take-back and recycling of carpeting in every cleaning operation that exceeds 600 s.q.m when carpeting can't be re-used.
- 13 of our residences were equipped with Points Relais, the leading collector of recovered textile, linen and shoes in France
- 1,200 m2 of carpeting removed while renovating our head office were resold at the Cycle Up’ marketplace
- The program to recover rainwater for water green spaces has intensified
Our 4 CSR pillars
We are committed day in and day out to respecting people, the planet, and the environment. The circular economy is one of our 4 CSR policy pillars.

We are reducing our greenhouse gas emissions and aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050.

People are changing their mindsets and ways: we are meeting their expectations by enhancing their wellbeing at work and at home.

Because our buildings are places for living, we also respect local animal and plant habitats.
Go further
2019 Universal Registration Document
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Our biodiversity initiatives, our key figures and their changes are detailed in our 2019 Universal Registration Document. Find out more
Circular economy: Soft Power is possible
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Talking about the circular economy and functionality today means ushering business into the digital age. During a round table at the 2018 MIPIM, Gecina Director and Chief Executive Officer Méka Brunel returned to the issue of Soft Power.