CASE STUDIES
We have extensive experience of circular economy projects for the built environment, including pre-redevelopment and pre-deconstruction audits in support of sustainability standards and wider circular economy objectives.
35 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, WC2
35 Lincoln’s Inn Fields is formerly the home of the Royal College Surgeons, built shortly after the end of World War II, and is prominently located on the south side of Lincoln’s Inn Fields. It is currently being repurposed and redeveloped to become the Firoz Lalji Global Hub, which will be the final set-piece addition to the London School of Economics’ (LSE) central London campus.
The building’s redevelopment will include conference facilities, academic and teaching spaces, digital labs, and a 300-seat theatre. The design embraces the ethos of the new centre through a strategy of adaptive re-use that will see large parts of the existing structure retained helping make it LSE’s first net zero carbon building. Reusefully undertook the initial pre-demolition audit at the end of 2023 to identify materials and components that are suitable for reuse, and are working closely with the design team and contractor to implement circularity and reuse in the development. This includes the reuse of bricks, timber and other items.
Barbican Centre Refurbishment
The client engaged Reusefully to carry out a Pre-Refurbishment Audit (PRA) for the proposed refurbishment works planned as part of the Barbican Renewal. The audit was required to help drive the circularity and sustainability ambitions for the project, and to maximise reuse and recovery of items resulting from the refurbishment.
Reusefully provided a detailed material inventory for the project team and a report which identified priority reuse opportunities. This included some of the more traditional building materials, such as brick pavers, as well as some of the unique and specific items that are specific to the Barbican, included specialist lighting and other architectural features.
1 Embankment Place, WC2
The proposals for redevelopment of 1 Embankment Place by developer Bridgemont were announced in early November 2025.
The team have stated their intention to adopt a ‘retrofit first’ approach and the scheme involves overhauling the office space, making the building more energy efficient and improving the public realm.
Reusefully have been commissioned to provide a pre-deconstruction audit to meet stringent new requirements laid down by Westminster City Council. This requires working with the team to identify reuse and higher value recycling opportunities.
The audit report will also include will also include the creation of a deconstruction circularity matrix, and estimation of the total tonnage of materials in the building (with an estimate of % retention) as required by Westminster.
Read our summary of the evolving landscape for planning requirements related to circularity
here.
Cambridge Business Park
The site-wide redevelopment of Cambridge Business Park is in its infancy, with the new masterplan at an early stage of design and a wider public consultation. It intends to create a thriving and biodiverse innovation-led destination comprising a mix of retail and leisure spaces, a brand-new high street, ‘science on show’ focused lab buildings and office space and homes.
Reusefully undertook pre-deconstruction audits on the 12 existing office buildings on the site, providing pre-deconstruction audits and materials mapping to provide an understanding of the types and amounts of products and materials arising during potential refurbishment or deconstruction to enable reuse in the new development or elsewhere.
We are now working with the project team to identify potential reuse and rehoming of materials, whether onsite or on developments across Cambridge and the surrounding area.
British Museum Western Range
As part of the British Museum's masterplan, the Western Range is undergoing a comprehensive redevelopment to restore significant historic fabric while rationalising the existing buildings, improving visitor movement, and creating contemporary gallery, research and collection storage spaces fit for the twenty-first century.
Lina Ghotmeh, supported by Arup and a multidisciplinary consultant team, is leading the redesign – Reusefully undertook an initial pre-refurbishment audit, providing an initial report and recommendations in August 2026, and is now working with the team to maximise reuse and circularity opportunities for the proposed redevelopment.
Potential areas of reuse include masonry, glazing, timber and lighting – and the potential reuse or repurposing of exhibition cabinetry is also being investigated. We have also provided initial estimates of upfront embodied carbon savings from reuse.
Tŷ Hywel, Cardiff
Tŷ Hywel is an office building in central Cardiff constructed in the early 1990s, with a gross internal area (GIA) of 12,065 m². The building accommodates Senedd offices, meeting and committee rooms, and the former debating chamber.
The proposed refurbishment works comprise a comprehensive soft strip, replacement of windows and roof coverings, reconfiguration of the structural core, retention of the existing brick façades, and refurbishment to a CAT B fit out standard.
Reusefully are employed as circular economy advisers, undertaking an initial pre-refurbishment audit and working with the client and design team to maximise potential reuse for the new scheme. The project places a strong emphasis on sustainability and circular economy principles and is targeting accreditation under BREEAM, WELL Core, and the Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard.
Apetito Site, Trowbridge
Apetito are a major international food producer, striving to be as sustainable as possible. They have an ambitious plan to create a new world-class food processing facility at their site in Trowbridge, which will have a net positive impact on the natural and human environment and provide resilience in the face of climate change.
KLH Sustainability, working on behalf of Apetito, reached out to Reusefully to carry out a pre-demolition audit. The aim of this audit was to provide an understanding of the types and amounts of products and materials arising during the refurbishment/demolition to allow reuse in the new development. The site consists of 12 buildings all varying in size, age, and uses. The demolition will also involve other external structures including hardstanding, fencing, and a disused water tank.
The site was visited by Reusefully to conduct non-invasive observations and measurements. This allowed Reusefully to provide recommendations to maximise reuse and contribute to the sustainable management of materials arising from the demolition. This will help KLH Sustainability, and Apetito, meet their circularity and sustainability goals for the project.