Circular Construction: building for the greater good

The construction industry accounts for over 30% of natural resource extraction and 25% of global solid waste. But what if we could build differently? Let’s reimagine construction as a system focused on reduacing waste, extending lifespans and keeping materials in use for as long as possible.

The construction industry is responsible for a staggering amount of waste – according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), construction and demolition debris make up nearly 60% of the municipal solid waste landfill in the USA alone. This linear “take-make-dispose” model is unsustainable, depleting resources and creating environmental burdens.

Circular economy: an evolution in construction

The Circular Economy (CE) model represents a fundamental shift in how we think about resource use. It builds on the principles of lean manufacturing and construction, which focuses on minimising waste. However, CE goes a step further by monetising waste and viewing it as a valuable resource. This model is particularly well suited to offsite construction, which simplifies supply chains and makes the reuse of materials more feasible.

Implementing CE in construction faces challenges owing to the uniqueness of projects and the complexity of supply chains. Offsite construction offers a solution to these challenges. At Circular Supply Chain Network, we have developed a seven-phase model that companies can adopt to tread this path of transitioning to a circular model.

Transition model

Identify: The first step involves defining the materials and resources in use. Techniques like Value Stream Mapping offer visibility into value and waste streams. For example, tracking the use of hot-rolled steel in flooring helps optimise material efficiency and waste management practices.

Intensify: This phase focuses on maximising material use. For instance, sharing shipping pallets across different parts of the supply chain can significantly increase their utilisation rate. Purpose-built racks for galvanised steel components can be returned to suppliers for reuse.

Narrow: Reducing the number of resources needed is crucial. In manufacturing, this includes minimising consumables like water and gas. In product design, adopting standards like Passivhaus, which ensures energy efficiency through passive solar heating and internal heat generation, exemplifies this approach.

Predict: Accurate forecasting of material availability and waste generation is vital. Building Information Modelling (BIM) technology helps by providing 3D models that predict waste and performance metrics, allowing for design validation and waste minimisation.

Slow: Extending the lifespan of building products is essential. Modular designs that match parts with similar lifespans can prevent unnecessary demolition. Refurbishing existing buildings and reusing materials such as wood and steel also contribute to longevity.

Close: This phase involves using secondary materials. Companies like Yorkon in the UK achieve high levels of recycling and reuse. For example, during window installation, excess materials are salvaged, with steel components recycled and insulation repurposed.

Capture: Sourcing affordable secondary materials and transforming them for new uses is the final phase. Upcycling, such as using cross-laminated timber to replace more environmentally harmful materials, is a key strategy. Companies like Falcon Structures in the US repurpose shipping containers for various applications, demonstrating practical upcycling.

In Denmark, Vandkunsten Architects’ Indfaldet project employs reused materials for building facades, promoting sustainability and community engagement. In Scotland, Passivhaus systems in affordable housing programmes highlight the reuse potential of materials like mineral wool and oriented strand boards (OSB).

Transitioning to a circular construction industry, despite its many benefits, presents several challenges. Current building codes and regulations often do not fully support the use of recycled materials or deconstruction practices. To address this, advocacy and collaboration between industry stakeholders and policymakers are essential to update regulations and create a supportive framework for circular construction. In addition, there is a significant need to educate architects, engineers and developers about the benefits of circular construction practices. Increasing public awareness and promoting the advantages of sustainable buildings can also drive market demand for circular construction projects.

The path forward

Adopting CE principles can significantly accelerate the transition towards sustainable construction. Companies can start at any of the seven phases, progressively integrating more aspects of the CE model. The controlled environment of offsite factories further enhances this process by enabling efficient material management and waste reduction. The Circular Economy offers a transformative approach to construction, aligning environmental sustainability with economic viability. By rethinking how we use resources, we can build a future where construction not only meets our needs but also preserves the planet.

www.circularsupplychain.network