19 January 2024 | Paulo Santos, Génesis Camila Cervantes, Alicia Zaragoza-Benzal, Aimee Byrne, Ferhat Karaca, Daniel Ferrández, Adriana Salles, Luís Bragança
This paper reviews the principles and strategies for circular material usage in the construction sector, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, raw material extraction, and waste production. The authors highlight the slow uptake of circular economy (CE) principles in the industry due to sectoral barriers such as knowledge and experience limitations. The review covers key concepts of CE, including the elimination of waste and pollution, the use of circular products and materials, and the regeneration of nature. It discusses design principles for circular materials, such as reducing consumption, reusing, and recycling, and the importance of material selection and management. The paper also explores strategies for extending product lifespan, end-of-life considerations, collaborative approaches, and business models that promote a circular economy. Case studies demonstrate the application of these principles through innovative block systems, recycled aggregates, modular kitchen reuse, and energy efficiency retrofits. The authors conclude that future efforts should focus on developing strong regulatory frameworks, awareness initiatives, and international cooperation, integrating technological advancements like AI, robotics, and blockchain to optimize waste management efficiency. Education on circular practices is also emphasized as crucial for promoting a more sustainable and resilient building construction industry.This paper reviews the principles and strategies for circular material usage in the construction sector, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, raw material extraction, and waste production. The authors highlight the slow uptake of circular economy (CE) principles in the industry due to sectoral barriers such as knowledge and experience limitations. The review covers key concepts of CE, including the elimination of waste and pollution, the use of circular products and materials, and the regeneration of nature. It discusses design principles for circular materials, such as reducing consumption, reusing, and recycling, and the importance of material selection and management. The paper also explores strategies for extending product lifespan, end-of-life considerations, collaborative approaches, and business models that promote a circular economy. Case studies demonstrate the application of these principles through innovative block systems, recycled aggregates, modular kitchen reuse, and energy efficiency retrofits. The authors conclude that future efforts should focus on developing strong regulatory frameworks, awareness initiatives, and international cooperation, integrating technological advancements like AI, robotics, and blockchain to optimize waste management efficiency. Education on circular practices is also emphasized as crucial for promoting a more sustainable and resilient building construction industry.