The KREIS house was developed by environmental engineer Devi Bühler of the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW). The aim is to test materials, energy, water and nutrients, and combine them in closed circuits to optimize their use in homes. His model home produces no waste – everything is used. Recycled glass shards were transformed into soil, faeces into fertilizer and rain into shower water.
So what would it take for these solutions to be widely applied? According to Devis Bühler, there needs to be a change in mentality and encouragement at all levels. For example, by subsidizing additional conversion costs or promoting environmentally-friendly new construction, by accepting greater flexibility in planning and construction processes, and by introducing measures to correct market failures.
