(L-R) François Bausch, Luxembourg's Minister for Mobility and Public Works; Thierry Hirtz, Public Buildings Administration; Credit: MMTP

On Tuesday 12 September 2023, Luxembourg's Minister for Mobility and Public Works, François Bausch, in the presence of officials from the Public Buildings Administration, unveiled a pilot project at Lycée Michel Lucius, which will implement principles of the circular economy.

The primary aim of this project, according to the Luxembourg ministry of Mobility and Public Works, is to advance sustainable development and foster a more resilient economy in Luxembourg. This transition towards a circular economy is a priority on the Luxembourg government's agenda, aligning with both the United Nations' seventeen Sustainable Development Goals and the European Union's Green Deal. The circular economy strives to establish an economic system that is sustainable and regenerative, optimising resource utilisation, minimising waste and preserving the environment.

The Lycée Michel Lucius pilot project is a concrete example of this approach, with a particular focus on material reuse. Rather than replacing the ageing WIng 6,000 of the secondary school with a temporary modular structure, it was transformed into a 660 m2 library, preserving much of the original wooden construction. For Wing 3,000, a selective deconstruction strategy was employed to salvage and repurpose materials for future projects. This approach facilitated the recovery of various elements such as equipment, metal and concrete, which were subsequently used in the construction of the library and the redevelopment of the central courtyard.

The ministry emphasised that the case of wings 3,000 and 6,000 at Lycée Michel Lucius demonstrated the multiple benefits of reuse. Firstly, it allows for the maximisation of existing resources. Secondly, it contributes to waste reduction, representing untapped potential. Thirdly, reuse extends the lifespan of products, preserving primary resources. Lastly, by reducing the production of new materials, it aids in curbing greenhouse gas emissions.

Finally, the central playground underwent redevelopment to enhance the students' quality of life by expanding green spaces.