The renovation of the Carré 1 municipal office in Leeuwarden integrates circular principles by reusing existing materials and sourcing new ones sustainably to minimise its material footprint. Led by the Municipality of Leeuwarden, the project demonstrates top-down political leadership in the circular economy while showcasing innovative resource-efficient construction practices. By setting ambitious circular goals and fostering collaboration, the initiative serves as a model for future circular renovations and inspires broader adoption of circular building strategies.

Traditional renovation projects often generate significant material waste and rely heavily on virgin resources, contributing to environmental degradation and carbon emissions. As buildings age, refurbishments become necessary, but these interventions often neglect circular design principles, missing opportunities for material reuse and efficient resource management. The Municipality of Leeuwarden sought to challenge this approach by making circularity a core requirement in the renovation of Carré 1’s first floor. Additionally, the shift towards remote and digital working due to the COVID-19 pandemic created the need for a workspace better suited to modern working conditions, reinforcing the urgency of a sustainable and adaptive renovation.

The Municipality of Leeuwarden adopted a circular renovation strategy focused on three key ambitions. First, existing materials such as ventilation pipes, hanging systems, and gypsum boards were assessed for reuse, minimising waste and reducing the demand for new resources. Second, any additional materials required were carefully sourced from sustainable origins, prioritising recycled or bio-based options to align with circular principles. Finally, the renovation was designed as a learning experience, showcasing circular construction techniques to inspire other municipalities and businesses to adopt similar approaches.

Through an iterative and collaborative process, the project team explored what circular renovation meant in practice, identifying opportunities to integrate circularity into every stage of the construction process. This approach reflects Friesland’s broader 'Frisian Approach'-a philosophy that emphasises collaboration, trust, and learning by doing to drive circular innovations.

A significant portion of the building’s materials were successfully reused, reducing waste and the demand for virgin resources. By integrating circular building principles, the project advanced the municipality’s sustainability ambitions while demonstrating a scalable approach to circular office renovations. It also reinforced political leadership in the circular economy by embedding circularity within municipal decision-making and highlighting how government-led initiatives can drive change. Additionally, the renovation process served as a learning opportunity for architects, construction firms, and policymakers, strengthening regional expertise in circular construction.

Carré 1 serves as an example of how municipalities can lead the way in implementing circular principles in public infrastructure projects. The project highlights the value of trust and collaboration in the circular transition, aligning with Friesland’s broader approach to circularity. By setting clear sustainability goals and ensuring transparency in the renovation process, the Municipality of Leeuwarden has encouraged knowledge-sharing and replication of circular practices in future developments.