The construction industry, long criticized for its significant carbon footprint and resource consumption, is at a pivotal juncture as it grapples with the transition from a linear to a circular economy. A recent study led by Lia Marchi from the Department of Architecture, University of Bologna, published in the journal ‘Buildings’, sheds light on the barriers and drivers impacting the systematic implementation of resource circularity in construction.
This research comes at a critical time when the construction sector is responsible for over one-third of global carbon emissions and a staggering amount of waste. The urgency for change is underscored by projections indicating that raw material extraction for construction could double by 2060 unless decisive action is taken. Marchi highlights, “While theoretical frameworks for circular economy practices are established, the real market application remains significantly lacking. Our findings reveal that even in countries leading the charge for circularity, like Italy, the uptake of these principles in construction is slow and fragmented.”
The study presents a dual analysis approach: reviewing existing circular policy frameworks and assessing practical tools such as resilience assessments and green building rating systems. Despite the development of numerous policies aimed at promoting sustainability, the integration of these strategies within the construction sector has often been disjointed. Marchi points out that “there is a critical gap between the theoretical knowledge of circular systems and their practical application on the ground. Many policies are treated as mere administrative steps rather than genuine opportunities for transformation.”
One of the most alarming findings is that a staggering 70% of recycled construction materials are used only for backfilling or as road base, indicating a trend of ‘downcycling’ rather than genuine resource reuse. Furthermore, only a mere 10.6% of materials used in construction across the EU are recycled or reused, highlighting a significant missed opportunity for the industry.
The research advocates for a shift from a sectoral approach to a more integrated, systemic one, emphasizing that circular economy principles should be cross-sectoral by nature. Marchi suggests that “policies must evolve to focus not just on recycled materials, but on comprehensive strategies that include design for disassembly and urban mining hubs.” This holistic perspective could enhance the efficiency and sustainability of construction practices, ultimately benefiting the industry economically.
Moreover, the study underscores the importance of engaging stakeholders within the construction sector to ensure the successful implementation of circular practices. The role of digitalization is also noted as a potential game-changer, offering innovative solutions to streamline processes and enhance resource management.
As the construction industry faces mounting pressure to reduce its environmental impact, Marchi’s research could shape future developments by informing policymakers and industry leaders about the necessary changes required for effective circular economy adoption. By bridging the gap between theory and practice, this research lays the groundwork for a more sustainable and economically viable future in construction, making it a crucial read for professionals invested in the sector’s evolution.
The insights from this study, published in ‘Buildings’, serve as a clarion call for the construction industry to embrace circularity not just as an ideal, but as a practical pathway to sustainability and profitability.
