Catherine De Wolf

Professor at ETH Zurich | Switzerland

Combining circular economy principles with emerging digital methods, Catherine De Wolf’s research develops practical methods to assess how building components can be disassembled and reused. Even when documentation is limited, this helps decision-makers better understand the reuse potential of existing buildings and supports more informed choices in renovation and demolition projects.

This matters because the decisions made today about buildings and infrastructure will affect resource use and emissions for decades. Improving how cities reuse existing materials can reduce waste, lower carbon impacts, and support a gradual shift toward circular, resource-efficient urban development, thereby supporting a more responsible and resilient future.