Circle Economy, a global impact organisation with an international team of experts based in Amsterdam, have issued their 2024 report on the "Circularity Gap", observing that "Despite the circular economy entering the mainstream, global circularity is still in decline."
This extensive report addresses the built environment:
• the extraction of minerals used to produce construction materials is responsible for a quarter of global land use change,
• approximately 40% of global GHG emissions can be attributed to buildings’ construction, use and demolition, and
• construction and demolition processes drive nearly one-third of all material consumption...
and recognises that "Making the built environment more circular must prioritise a heavy reduction in material use—while also closing the loop on materials and bringing secondary and renewable material choices to the fore."
One of the four key solutions presented in the report for the built environment is:
"PRIORITISE CIRCULAR MATERIALS AND APPROACHES: Transition to using renewable wood, timber or cross-laminated timber instead of steel and concrete, or move to other locally available materials. Utilise mainstream modular construction and prioritise lightweight frames and structures to reduce cement and steel use, as well as green roofs where possible."
You'll find more details specific to the built environment on page 28 -- recommendations which Built by Nature wholly supports!
#masstimber #CLT #circularity #sustainableconstruction
