The construction industry is facing a major transformation: by 2050, the sector must be fully circular. This means moving away from traditional construction methods and towards an approach that focuses on reusing materials, saving energy and minimising waste. This task requires more than just technical solutions; it is about developing a new way of thinking and breaking new ground.
Circular construction and demolition: a new challenge
Every construction project is unique, and that certainly applies to circular projects. In circular construction and demolition, there is not always a standard solution. Sometimes circular solutions are obvious, but often completely new ideas need to be developed to achieve sustainable results. This requires a flexible and customised approach. New questions also need to be answered: How do you select materials that can be reused? What are the long-term costs and benefits of circular construction methods? How do you build a network of suppliers that follow the same circular principles?
Specific questions for circular construction projects
In practice, circular projects often raise specific questions. Some examples are:
- Demolition and renovation: How do you formulate a tender for demolition work that is geared towards the circular economy? What criteria can you use to assess demolition companies that work in a circular way?
- Construction projects with a low MPG rating: The MPG (Environmental Performance of Buildings) rating indicates how sustainable a building is. How can you integrate the circular economy into a project if you have little experience with sustainable construction methods?
- First steps towards the circular economy: for organisations with no experience of the circular economy, guidance on concept development is needed to ensure projects are aligned with sustainability goals.
Between demolition and construction: a valuable transition phase
An interesting development within the circular economy is the transition between demolition and construction. This offers the opportunity to reuse materials from demolition projects directly in new construction, for example by reusing materials such as logs, ceramic roof tiles or bricks. By working with manufacturers and suppliers of these circular materials, it is possible to ensure that materials with a low environmental cost indicator (EQI) are placed on the market and thus contribute to a sustainable construction industry. This transition phase between demolition and new construction offers great potential, but also brings logistical challenges, such as coordinating the right timing and quality of materials.
From product to concept
The circular economy is not just about new products, but above all about developing a comprehensive circular concept.
A successful circular product requires that the processes surrounding the product are also right, from establishing a sustainable supply chain to finding the right markets for the product, for example a manufacturer of façade systems. For him, the challenge is not only to design a new façade system, but also to adapt internal processes, fulfil new quality standards and develop a circular marketing strategy.
Four steps to developing circular concepts
When developing circular concepts, we often follow four steps to get from idea to realisation:
- Recognising opportunities: By thinking outside the box, we look for innovative ways to save CO₂ and use materials efficiently.
- Selecting solutions: Working closely with stakeholders, we identify which directions are promising.
- Development of concepts: These directions are translated into technically feasible and financially viable concepts.
- Practical implementation: Finally, we draw up an implementation plan and a clear business model to ensure that the concept is actually realisable.
This approach ensures that circular ambitions don’t just remain ideas, but are actually realised.
Are you curious about how your project can be made circular? Contact us for a no-obligation consultation or download our knowledge document from our website. Together we are working on a future-proof construction sector.
