Erri Berri: Achieving 95% Recovery Through Circular Demolition

Erri Berri’s transformation began with a deep strategic reflection that challenged its traditional way of working and clarified the direction for the company’s future. This process was led by the Steering Committee, with the firm and decisive support of the company’s executive leadership and ownership, ensuring long-term commitment and strategic alignment. The management team played a key role in translating this shared vision into concrete priorities, actively promoting the shift across the organization and aligning strategy, operations and sustainability objectives. This collective effort enabled the company to redefine its identity—from its brand and market positioning to the very purpose that guides its work—in order to embrace the concept of “demolition without footprint.” With this renewed vision in place, the leadership structure outlined the first concrete steps required to turn ambition into measurable change.

To ensure a consistent and company-wide transition toward sustainable demolition, Erri Berri trained 100% of its workforce through a combination of internal and external training programs. Internally, the management team led training sessions focused on the company’s strategic transformation, explaining the shift in the business model toward circular demolition, updated internal processes and new sustainability objectives. Externally, specialized training was delivered by machinery manufacturers, equipment suppliers and technical partners, providing hands-on instruction on the use of low-emission machinery, efficient material separation and improved on-site practices. 

Beyond formal training sessions, the company cultivated a culture of awareness and accountability through ongoing communication efforts, supporting a just transition by equipping all employees with the skills, confidence, and shared responsibility needed to adopt more sustainable ways of working.

Modernizing the machinery fleet was a key step to reducing emissions, improving operational efficiency and enhancing waste recovery performance. These upgrades were financed through the company’s own resources by reinvesting profits into cleaner, more efficient equipment as part of its long-term sustainability strategy. Replacing older machinery with newer models reduced fuel consumption and strengthened the company’s ability to handle materials responsibly.

A major milestone was the development of a proprietary digital traceability system for demolition residues, also fully funded internally, that enabled the full tracking of materials from source to final destination. This innovation ensures complete transparency, supports regulatory compliance and increases client confidence by providing verifiable data on waste management.

At the start of each demolition project, Erri Berri implements systematic on-site sorting and processing of materials. Concrete is crushed and reused, metals are separated and sent to recycling facilities, and wood and other recoverable materials are directed to certified waste managers. These actions are executed under a comprehensive Environmental Management Plan aligned with ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001, ensuring continuous improvement in safety, efficiency and resource optimization. Through this approach, demolition sites become active hubs of material recovery, reducing environmental impact and maximizing circular value.

Circular demolition depends on a strong network of authorized local waste management partners. Erri Berri establishes agreements only with providers who fully comply with current legislation and hold all required permits and certifications. This ensures responsible handling and full traceability for all materials, whether they generate revenue (such as scrap metal) or involve a management cost. These partnerships are both operational and strategic, forming a practical and replicable model for companies in other regions aiming to implement compliant and transparent circular demolition processes.

The digital traceability system and Environmental Management Plan enable ongoing monitoring of material flows and operational performance. Erri Berri uses these insights to refine processes, enhance waste recovery efficiency and maintain high levels of transparency with clients and regulators. By continually reviewing and improving its practices, the company ensures that the “demolition without footprint” model evolves with emerging standards, regulatory requirements and stakeholder expectations, reinforcing a culture of responsible, data-driven environmental management.

Begin with pilot projects and track data from the outset to establish clear baselines. 

Empowering the workforce from day one ensures alignment and commitment to sustainability goals. 

Building partnerships with like-minded stakeholders amplifies impact.