The circular building materials challenge: a case-based policy approach

Leonidas Milios

Research output: Contribution to conferencePaper, not in proceedingpeer-review

Abstract

The transition to a Circular Economy requires enabling conditions that remove existing barriers in product utilisation and material recovery operations. The adoption of circular business models is one of the key building blocks of the Circular Economy, but the viability of such businesses is often dependent on supporting policies. This contribution reviews the literature on resource efficiency policies, relevant to building materials and the construction sector, and discusses how current and new policies can support circular business models, building upon two company case studies. The companies are specialising in construction solutions, by providing highly durable, reusable and fully recyclable building components. The cases are built on semi-structured interviews with company representatives and follow-up surveys. Both companies agree that building passports and material passports, along with design for deconstruction, building modularity, durability and reuse/recycling at materials level should be established, so that reusable building materials can be efficiently salvaged and returned for further utilisation or recycling. Green public procurement can play a fundamental role in increasing the uptake and use of durable and recyclable products. Economic instruments such as tax reductions for recycled materials can boost greater utilisation of secondary materials in buildings. Given the long lifetime of buildings, it is considered essential to encourage design improvements and circular business models through appropriate policy instruments.
Original languageEnglish
Number of pages11
Publication statusPublished - 2017 Oct 1
Event18th European Roundtable on Sustainable Consumption and Production - Skiathos Palace, Skiathos, Greece
Duration: 2017 Oct 12017 Oct 5

Conference

Conference18th European Roundtable on Sustainable Consumption and Production
Abbreviated titleERSCP 2017
Country/TerritoryGreece
CitySkiathos
Period2017/10/012017/10/05

Subject classification (UKÄ)

  • Environmental Management

Free keywords

  • circular economy
  • building materials
  • resource efficiency
  • built environment
  • recycle
  • reuse

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