Can the Construction Industry Really Go Circular? Insights from International Interviews

As the world continues to struggle with the challenges of climate change, resource depletion, and waste management, the construction industry is under growing pressure to adopt sustainable and circular practices. Interviews with sustainability and circular economy professionals from Norway, Sweden, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Australia offer a window into the varied yet converging approaches these countries are taking. These insights reveal both shared principles and distinct national strategies, underscoring the complex landscape of sustainable construction.

Common Ground: Shared Priorities and Actions

Across the interviewed countries, there is a growing recognition of the need for sustainable and circular practices in construction. From reducing carbon footprints to enhancing energy efficiency, the industry is embracing a new era of sustainability. But what does this mean in practice?

All interviewees saw the circular economy from different viewpoints depending on their profession and the situation in the country. As is the case even in general, the circularity was mainly understood in reusing materials or components, even products. Some of the very effective circular solutions were missing from the discussion, namely avoiding building new and more effective use of existing buildings. It is however clear that people working with construction only deal with buildings that are built. But many interesting ways of creating circular solutions in different countries were brought up and commercial solutions also exist.

A Global viewpoint of Sustainable Practices

The construction industry is at a crossroads, with a growing recognition of the need for sustainable and circular practices. Future developments aim to adopt regenerative models that prioritize sustainability, integrate facility management systems in circularity, and leverage digitalization, particularly through digital twins, for better data management. But what does this mean for the industry, and how can we ensure that these practices are adopted widely? The journey towards sustainable and circular construction is a global effort, with each country contributing unique strategies and facing distinct challenges. The common emphasis on reducing carbon footprints, enhancing energy efficiency and development of circular business forms the foundation of these efforts. However, the success of these initiatives depends on continued innovation, collaboration, and regulatory support. By embracing both shared principles and national nuances, we can collectively build a greener, more resilient world.

Tiina Vainio-Kaila & Paula Ala-Kotila

Links to democases in interviewed countries:

MODERN MODULAR SOLUTIONS FOR THE NEXT GENERATION, Australia

Modular Schools & Learning Environments | Fleetwood Australia

DARLING EXCHANGE, Australia

Kengo Kuma’s Darling Square civic building approved | ArchitectureAU

LARGEST RECYCLED BRICK BUILDING, Australia

Turning the housing crisis around: how a circular economy can give us affordable, sustainable homes | ArchitectureAU

https://architectureau.com/articles/turning-the-housing-crisis-around-how-a-circular-economy-can-give-us-affordable-sustainable-homes

https://www.archdaily.com/1005981/brick-by-brick-waste-can-shape-the-future-of-construction

Arkadia — DKO

THE CIRCULAR BUILDINGS, UK

Arup Designs Prototype Building Based on Circular Economy Principles | ArchDaily

TEMPORARY COURTHOUSE, Netherland

Temporary Courthouse Amsterdam / CepezedArchitectureLab

CARGO BUILDING, Netherland

circular dismantling of cargo building 18 at schiphol completed

LIANDER HEARD OFFICE, Netherland

https://www.circulareconomyclub.com/solutions/from-buildings-to-head-office

https://static.designboom.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/unstudio-eea-tax-offices-pavilion-garden-underground-car-park-designboom-09.jpg

KRISTIAN AUGUSTS GATE, Norway

Kristian Augusts gate 13 – KA13 – Norges første fullskala ombruksbyggEntra

COREM RECYCLING OFFICE, Sweden

https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/COREM-PROPERTY-GROUP-AB-40800546/news/Corem-Property-Group-AB-Signs-Lease-for-1-300-square-meters-Sustainable-Office-in-Kista-Stockholm-N-44264942

https://news.cision.com/corem-property-group/r/corem-signs-lease-for-a-1-300-sq-m–sustainable-office-in-kista–stockholm-north,c3799308

https://thekloud.se/en/news/corem-signs-green-rental-agreement-in-kista

https://www.ccbuild.se/kunskapsbank/referensprojekt/projekt/?Id=55

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