The Role Of Circularity In Net Zero Construction

Adopting a circular economy ideology within the construction industry could help the sector transition to net zero… and, indeed, it seems that growing numbers within the industry are now starting to explore opportunities within this sphere, driven by materials shortages and fluctuating costs.

This is according to a new study from the UK Green Building Council (UKGBC), revealing that if circular economy policies were applied, significant reductions could be seen across projects in the built environment.

However, circularity could deliver benefits in other areas as well, not just in carbon, such as organisational, financial, social and environmental goals.

It was also found that many new and existing buildings have already adopted these principles and are now setting out the carbon reduction results. The most notable of all was the level of savings potential through reuse of materials and existing assets.

However, a gap in industry knowledge was identified in the measuring and reporting of the impact delivering through the application of circularity.

Measurement is currently inconsistent, infrequent and hard to manage because of a lack of common standards and ways of working… but, on a positive note, the report did also find that groups are now working to improve consistency and clarity in this regard.

Julie Hirigoyen, chief executive of the UKGBC, said: “Whilst UKGBC’s Roadmap confirmed a net zero carbon built environment is achievable by 2050, it also reinforced that meeting this target will require a transformational shift in the way we approach and deliver construction projects, with circularity as a fundamental part of the solution.”

Back in 2019, the UKGBC published guidance on the circular economy for those in the construction industry, addressing the commercial realities associated with driving practical change, as well as providing support and evidence to help them minimise and mitigate any and all risks, as well as ensuring budget, project and timescales.

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