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Construction

Circularity in Construction

Overview 

The construction industry is a significant contributor to global carbon emissions. The construction industry accounts for approximately 39% of global energy-related carbon dioxide emissions. This figure includes both direct emissions from construction activities such as building materials production, transportation, and on-site energy use, as well as indirect emissions from the energy consumption associated with the operation of buildings over their lifetime.

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Concrete is a widely used material in construction, and it is estimated that it contributes to approximately 8% of global carbon dioxide emissions. This figure includes not only the emissions associated with the production of cement, but also the emissions associated with the transportation and processing of raw materials, the manufacturing of concrete, and the construction and demolition of buildings.

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Within the production of cement, the manufacturing process alone is responsible for a significant portion of the emissions. The chemical process of producing cement, which involves heating limestone and other materials to high temperatures, releases carbon dioxide as a byproduct. According to estimates, the production of cement accounts for approximately 5-7% of global carbon dioxide emissions.

 

As global efforts to address climate change and reduce carbon emissions intensify, there is increasing recognition of the role that the construction industry can play in reducing emissions and transitioning to a more sustainable future. The industry is exploring a range of strategies to reduce emissions, such as adopting circular construction practices, using renewable energy sources, and improving the energy efficiency of buildings and infrastructure. So where does the concept of circularity come into play?

What is circular construction? 

In the context of construction, circularity refers to the idea of designing, constructing, and operating buildings and infrastructure in a way that minimises waste and maximises the use of resources. Circular construction involves adopting a circular economy model, which is based on the principles of designing out waste and pollution, keeping products and materials in use, and regenerating natural systems.

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Involves considering the entire lifecycle of a building or infrastructure project, from the design phase to demolition or deconstruction, and finding ways to reduce the environmental impact at every stage. This can include using sustainable materials, designing for disassembly or reuse, implementing energy-efficient systems, and reducing waste through recycling and repurposing materials.

Importance of circularity in construction

Environmental sustainability: The construction industry is a significant contributor to global carbon emissions, resource depletion, and waste generation. Adopting circular construction practices can help reduce the industry's environmental impact and move towards a more sustainable future.

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Resource efficiency: By adopting circular economy principles, construction projects can reduce their reliance on virgin resources and minimize waste. This can help conserve natural resources, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and lower the overall cost of construction.

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Economic benefits: Circular construction can create economic opportunities by generating new business models, job opportunities, and reducing the cost of materials and waste management.

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Meeting regulatory requirements: As governments around the world focus on reducing carbon emissions and waste generation, circular construction can help meet regulatory requirements and demonstrate a commitment to sustainability.

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Meeting customer expectations: Consumers are increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of the products they use and the buildings they live and work in. Adopting circular construction practices can help meet customer expectations for environmentally sustainable construction practices.

How can we improve circularity in construction

Design for disassembly and reuse: Design buildings and infrastructure with disassembly and reuse in mind, so that materials can be recovered and repurposed at the end of the building's life.

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Use sustainable materials: Incorporate sustainable materials such as recycled or renewable materials, or materials that have a low carbon footprint, into construction projects.

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Implement circular business models: Explore circular business models such as leasing or product-as-a-service, which can help extend the life of materials and reduce waste.

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Adopt energy-efficient systems: Implement energy-efficient systems such as smart lighting, heating and cooling, and insulation, which can reduce energy consumption and associated carbon emissions.

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Reduce waste: Implement waste management strategies such as recycling, repurposing, and upcycling, to reduce the amount of waste generated during construction.

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Adopt digital technologies: Adopt digital technologies such as Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Internet of Things (IoT) devices, which can help optimize building performance and resource efficiency.

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Collaborate across the value chain: Collaborate with suppliers, contractors, and other stakeholders in the construction value chain to promote circularity and share best practices.

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Educate and raise awareness: Educate and raise awareness among stakeholders, including architects, engineers, contractors, and building owners, about the benefits of circular construction and how to implement circular practices.

Closing Remarks

Overall, circularity in construction is important because it can help create a more sustainable and resilient built environment, while also providing economic and social benefits.

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By taking the steps mentioned above, the construction industry can move towards a more circular and sustainable future. This has even started to show as the construction industry has shown it can adapt and adopt new technologies

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