Impressively sustainable: balance sheet after around a year of Tauschhaus 2.0

The exchange house 2.0 run by Kommunalservice Jena (KSJ) at Löbstedter Straße 68 is a complete success. It opened its doors for the first time in November 2023 and was immediately well received. The results of the past year are correspondingly positive, and the figures speak for themselves:

• Around 23,000 visitors in 2024
• A total of around 68 tons of goods handed in
• 57 tons found a new use - an impressive reuse rate of 82%
• 41% of the items passed on were books

Around 120 tons of CO₂* were saved by reusing the items handed in - equivalent to the annual emissions of 60 average cars. In addition, around 6,000 euros were saved by avoiding disposal costs.

Lord Mayor Dr. Thomas Nitzsche emphasizes: "The Tauschhaus 2.0 is a successful example of how we can make a concrete contribution to environmental and climate protection through sustainable initiatives. The high level of acceptance shows that the people of Jena are prepared to take responsibility for a resource-friendly future.

Jan Wosnitzka, Head of Municipal Services at KSJ, emphasizes: "The figures show that sustainable alternatives to throwing things away are meeting with great interest. The swap house 2.0 sends a strong signal for resource conservation and a circular economy in Jena."

Living inclusion

However, Tauschhaus 2.0 is not only a successful model for reuse and sustainable action, but also a successful example of inclusion in action. In cooperation with Saale Betreuungswerk der Lebenshilfe Jena gGmbH, several colleagues with disabilities work independently at Tauschhaus 2.0 under the guidance of a specialist and are actively involved in the running of the Tauschhaus together with KSJ employees.

Sabine Jahn, Managing Director of Saale Betreuungswerk, emphasizes the importance of the project: "Tauschhaus 2.0 combines sustainability with social participation. Our employees make a valuable contribution to society here and at the same time experience meaningful work in an appreciative working environment."

The swap house

Originally started as a small book exchange point at the northern recycling center in 2017, demand quickly grew. A larger space was needed - and so Tauschhaus 2.0 was launched in November 2023.

Since then, the expanded platform has not only offered the opportunity to swap books, but also a wide range of reusable items such as baby carriages, baby carriages, toys, bicycles, household goods and much more.

More information

The opening hours and all important information about handing in items can be found on the KSJ website.

* Where does this number come from?

The production of a book (300 pages) causes approx. 1.2 kg of CO₂ per kg. Household items (including vases, cutlery, glasses) save a total of approx. 3 kg of CO₂ per kg when reused. (Sources: co2online, Öko-Institut e.V., European Environment Agency, Federal Environment Agency)