“AUS Debates”: Reuse in Architecture — Are We Ready as a Profession?

On March 23, 2026, we held a new session of the “AUS Debates”, a format promoted by the COAC Association of Architects for Sustainability to create spaces for meeting, reflection and discussion around the current challenges facing the profession.

This session, focused on reuse in architecture, brought together professionals from different fields —public administration, the construction sector, industry and professional practice— with the aim of sharing experiences and opening a collective debate on the role of reuse in the current context of climate emergency.

You can read the rest of the articles about the “AUS Debates” held so far here.

Reuse as the Core Theme of the Debate

The debate was initiated by AUS member Sara Baldasano [presentation], an architect specialized in circular construction —who also took part as a speaker—, introduced by Greta Tresserra, president of AUS, and moderated by Albert Sagrera, vice president of the association [presentation]. We were also joined by speakers Kai Liebetanz (Green Building Council España) [presentation] and Carla Ferrando (Parabase), who contributed complementary perspectives grounded in operational practice.

The session was structured in two parts: an initial series of presentations followed by an open debate with participation from attendees.

The starting point was clear: to analyze to what extent material reuse can be integrated into the sector’s everyday practice and what conditions are necessary to make this possible.

Following the presentations, a participatory debate was opened with contributions from a “front row” made up of key stakeholders from the sector —public administration, the construction industry, manufacturers, organizations and professional associations— allowing for the exchange of experiences, concerns and perspectives. The discussion was then opened to the audience, generating a rich space for conversation and exchange.

As part of the session, a series of questions were also posed to both the speakers and the front row participants, with the aim of gathering shared visions on the future of reuse and identifying initial steps to move forward in this field. This survey-based format, promoted by the AUS Board, is becoming established as a useful tool for guiding potential lines of action within the “AUS Debates”.

Key Conclusions

Several key ideas emerged from the session:

• Reuse is not only a technical challenge, but also a structural one that requires rethinking the sector’s current model.
• There is already knowledge, experience and real-life case studies, but a system that enables their widespread implementation is still lacking.
• The absence of a clear regulatory framework, infrastructure and market conditions hinders implementation.
• It is necessary to generate reliable information about existing materials and move towards shared protocols.
• Demand must be activated —especially through public administration— while strengthening collaboration among the different stakeholders involved.
• Debate spaces such as the “AUS Debates” are essential for sharing knowledge and building a collective perspective around this challenge.

The session also highlighted the supportive role of the AUS Board in promoting these initiatives, with the aim of assisting members who propose activities and avoiding isolated efforts.

At AUS, we have prepared a summary document gathering the main ideas, reflections and conclusions discussed throughout the session.

And watch the full session video here: