CIRCULAR ECONOMY IN CONSTRUCTION: A DEFINITION
The Circular.Buildings project's first months of industry research have revealed an interesting fact: those working in the construction industry are often unclear about exactly what the ‘Circular Economy’ in construction is. Many (companies, professionals or public sector bodies) reduce the definition of the Circular Economy to efficient waste management or energy efficiency of plants only, thus leaving out much of its content and potential.
As a result, most operators in the sector also overlook the many advantages that the application of circular economy practices could bring to their business.
A first, fundamental step of our project was therefore to clarify what the circular economy in construction is, by means of an analysis of the scientific literature in the sector, conducted by our research partners (University of Udine and Jožef Stefan Institute in Ljubljana).
WHAT IS THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY IN CONSTRUCTION
The scientific literature review shows that the circular economy, as applied to the construction sector, is an economic model aimed at minimising waste and making the best use of resources by keeping materials in use for as long as possible. It is therefore not limited to energy efficiency and waste management, but rather encompasses a holistic approach to the design, construction, maintenance and deconstruction of buildings to maximise the efficiency and reuse of materials, reduce emissions and create sustainable value over the entire construction life cycle.
Circular buildings are energy-efficient, near-zero-emission structures that can interact with their surroundings and adapt their energy needs based on signals from the grid (smart buildings). They are adaptable to the needs of end users, climate resilient and sustainable.
THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY IN BUILDINGS: THE 6 KEY COMPONENTS
Based on literature reviews, the scientific partners of the Circular.Buildings project have identified the following key components of the circular economy applied to the building sector
- Design for flexibility of use: Buildings are designed with the intention of extending their lifespan and facilitating adaptability to future uses. This involves creating modular structures that can be easily upgraded or reused as needed
- Resource efficiency: Materials are chosen according to their ability to be reused, recycled or repurposed. Emphasis is placed on reducing the extraction of raw materials and prioritising renewable, recyclable and non-toxic materials.
- Material recovery and reuse: instead of demolishing structures at the end of their life cycle, circular buildings promote deconstruction. Components are recovered and reused in new constructions, reducing waste and demand for raw materials.
- Energy efficiency and renewable energy: circular buildings integrate renewable energy sources and smart technologies to optimise energy consumption. These buildings interact with the grid, regulating their energy demand in real time, reducing emissions and improving the overall energy efficiency of the built environment.
- Waste minimisation and advanced waste management: The main challenge for designers of circular buildings is to prevent waste production in the first place by designing for reuse, reducing material input and reusing parts of disused buildings, rather than simply recycling. Advanced waste management is at the heart of the circular economy.
- Collaboration and innovation: architects, engineers, manufacturers, construction companies, installers, etc. must work together to use advanced tools and design innovative solutions that reduce resource consumption and promote sustainable practices throughout the supply chain.
THE BENEFITS OF THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY IN CONSTRUCTION
The benefits that the application of the circular economy has for the environment, and thus for the well-being of all citizens, are obvious: we will reduce the volume of waste produced and the impact on the production of CO2 in one of the sectors with the highest incidence in Europe and in the Italian-Slovenian cross-border territory.
What we aim to highlight with our project is that, in addition, the application of the principles described above to the construction sector can lead to a reduction in materials and operating costs over time; the reusability of materials and the efficient use of energy can reduce future maintenance and energy costs, resulting in clear benefits for all citizens.
CIRCULAR ECONOMY IN CONSTRUCTION: THE CONTRIBUTION OF THE CIRCULAR.BUILDINGS PROJECT
Since May, we have been conducting comprehensive research on the topic and will soon launch qualitative and quantitative field research. From May 2025 we will start an intense year of workshops, seminars, and events dedicated to the topic in order to disseminate best practices and foster networking among the various players in the sector. But above all, we will contribute with the creation of the CROSS-BORDER PLATFORM DEDICATED TO THE ITA-SLO CIRCULAR BUILDING ECONOMY.
For more details on the project, please do not hesitate to contact our staff: circular.buildings@ecipa.eu
