Grandchildren's ability

Responsibility that makes a difference.

We are committed to ensuring that future generations, our children's children, can experience the world at least as we do today. We view sustainability as a cycle, because only by considering all four areas can we achieve the goal of a sustainable construction industry and keep the momentum moving towards a sustainable future.

More information on the four dimensions of intergenerational sustainability:

The construction industry operates within the tension between development and responsibility towards future generations. Every year in Switzerland, the equivalent of approximately 200,000 single-family homes is built. This demonstrates our progress, but also highlights the high resource demands of our built environment. At the same time, large quantities of construction waste are generated, illustrating that materials are often designed for only one generation instead of remaining in a long-term cycle.

The demolition of buildings generates around 7.5 million tons of construction waste annually, while household waste amounts to approximately 3 million tons. This scale demonstrates how strongly our current construction methods are geared towards short-term use. Less than 10% of materials are actually used in a circular economy, about 50% are processed into lower-quality products, and around 40% still end up in landfills. As a result, valuable resources lose a significant portion of their original potential.

Sustainability for future generations means designing buildings not just for the present, but for multiple generations to come. Materials should be used in a way that ensures their continued usability – technically, ecologically, and socially. Therefore, age-appropriate construction doesn't just focus on immediate efficiency, but considers the long-term impact of decisions.

Our approach starts precisely here. We want to develop the construction industry step by step and foster a culture in which buildings are seen as repositories of raw materials, where quality is considered in the long term, and where resources are used in a way that allows future generations sufficient scope for action.

Portrait of Martin Eberhard in front of technical equipment

We think sustainably for future generations – and have done so for generations.

Martin Eberhard, Chairman of the Board of Eberhard Enterprises