Drivers and restraints of a circular economy in the built environment

CIRCULAR STRUCTURAL DESIGN acts at the interface between research and practice and strives to transform from a linear into a circular construction industry. In collaboration with Eindhoven University of Technology a research project about the implementation of circular economy in the structural engineering and design practice is ongoing. In order to understand the drivers and restraints a brief study, based on own projects and a literature review has been carried out.

 The mentioned internal studies as well literature review [details will be added in full paper] identified some possible barriers in this context:

·      Lack of knowledge and awareness: The adoption of new materials and reuse of elements require a significant shift in mindset and behaviour. There is a lack of knowledge and awareness of the benefits and practicalities of such approaches among the stakeholders, which can hinder their adoption. This also includes technical challenges, as structural engineering requires specific expertise and knowledge to design safe structures.

·      Resistance to change: People tend to stick to what they know and what has worked for them in the past. There might be resistance to change among stakeholders, who may perceive new materials or reuse of elements as risky or unproven. Especially, the very successful last 15 years for the construction industry make people reluctant to changes.

·      Fragmentation, coordination issues and lack of trust: The construction industry involves many different stakeholders, such as architects, engineers, contractors, suppliers, and building owners. The lack of coordination, trust and communication among these stakeholders can lead to fragmented approaches to materials and waste management, making it difficult to achieve a circular economy.

·      Procurement policies: The procurement policies of many construction companies and building owners tend to focus on short-term cost savings rather than long-term sustainability. This can create a barrier to the adoption of circular practices, which may require higher initial investments but provide long-term benefits.

·      Limited availability and access: The availability of circular materials and components may be limited, which can make it difficult for builders to source them. Additionally, some materials may not be available in all regions or may require special permits or certifications due to a lack of standardisation, which can increase the cost and time required to obtain them.

·      Lack of supply and demand: There may be a mismatch between the supply and demand of circular materials and components. This can make it difficult for suppliers to invest in their development and production, as they may not see a sufficient market for them. On the other hand, builders may not be aware of the availability or benefits of these materials, which can reduce demand for them.

·      Limited availability of data: Structural design and analysis rely on accurate data about the materials and components being used. The availability of data on new materials and reused elements may be limited, particularly for those that are still being developed or tested. This can make it difficult for designers and engineers to evaluate their performance and make informed decisions.

In contrast, there are many drivers for the circular economy in the construction industry, including:

·      Financial incentives: Adopting circular economy principles can help construction companies reduce costs associated with waste disposal, material procurement, by promoting the use of recycled and reclaimed materials. It can also lead to improved business resilience and resource independency. This can lead to cost savings and reduced environmental impact.

·      Legal requirements: Governments and international organizations are increasingly introducing regulations to promote circularity in the construction industry. For example, the European Union has introduced a taxonomy to classify sustainable economic activities and Level(s) as a framework for sustainable buildings. Considering the entire life cycle of a building, from design to demolition, can help identify opportunities to reduce environmental impact and promote circularity. This can include designing buildings for disassembly and reuse, selecting materials with a lower environmental impact, and considering end-of-life scenarios for building components.

·      Growing “green” market demand: Consumers and businesses are becoming more conscious about the environmental impact of the products they use and demand for sustainable construction is increasing. Certification Schemes: Certification schemes, such as DGNB, LEED and BREEAM, can help promote circular economy principles in construction by providing guidelines for sustainable design and construction practices.

·      Technical advancements: New technologies, such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), are making it easier to design and construct buildings that are resource-efficient, sustainable and reduce waste. BIM can also facilitate the sharing of information between project stakeholders, which can help promote collaboration and reduce errors. Additionally, bio-based materials and other sustainable construction materials are increasingly becoming available.

·      Corporate social responsibility: Governments and international organizations are adopting circular economy principles as part of their corporate social responsibility initiatives, recognizing the importance of reducing their environmental footprint and contributing to a more sustainable future. Compliance with these regulations can help promote circularity and reduce environmental impact.

The presentation and full paper will elaborate on ongoing projects and provide an outlook for a handbook with guidelines for circular structural design in everyday projects to scale it up.

Key words: circular structural design; decarbonisation; reused components; bio-based materials; taxonomy

References will be added in full paper

Note: The writing of some parts of this text has been supported by ChatGPT