Op-ed by Peter Chambers, associate editor, Renovated.
Circular construction advances the idea of a circular economy by using a project’s construction materials throughout the structure’s life cycle, including at the end of its life. However, it is a common misconception that this closed-loop system is implemented only at the end of the line.
In reality, construction circularity needs to be the main goal as early as the planning and design phases. It should even be continuously carried out through different stages of the construction process.
The key phases in circular construction
A cohesive process with a clear objective is critical to maintaining sustainability and ensuring resources are reusable. Here’s an overview of how circular construction should be applied across different project phases.
Coming up with forward-thinking designs
Circular construction projects are designed to be disassembled and sorted for future reuse. Thoughtful material selection can help prioritise reclaimed materials or ensure newer resources can be repurposed in the far future.
In addition, it’s critical to design components that may fit together but can be separated in the end. These planning endeavours are often associated with high costs and complexity, but having a forward-thinking mindset is the first step in a successful circular design.
Executing sustainable and mindful construction
The actual manufacturing and construction phase should also be optimised. Although recycling is often part of circular construction planning, its environmental benefits can vary depending on the material, processing method and transportation needs.
It’s vital to prioritise careful management and explore other options, such as local sourcing. Integrating certain digital tools could also help record the types of reusable materials and their locations within the structure for future disassembly.
Deconstructing over demolishing
Demolition can disrupt daily life and generate rubble. A more mindful deconstruction of all the components within the circular construction structure, when the time comes, can ensure that certain resources are taken and left intact for future use.
While traditional practices may focus on disposing of all prior materials, circular construction gives certain items a second life. Salvaging and reusing them in new projects can go a long way. Construction businesses can even earn money by selling their inventory or setting up buyback arrangements with their initial providers.
The benefits of circular construction
Circular construction is an intentional process throughout different projects. It highlights many advantages of sustainability, from reducing waste to conserving resources.
Less waste and energy use
Construction is notorious for producing vast amounts of waste and consuming large amounts of energy. Circularity offers an opportunity to explore different objectives that can help ease that aspect of its environmental impact.
The goal of repurposing components is already adaptive. With material selection, it’s better to choose options with lower energy use. For example, virgin lumber requires 11 to 13 times as much energy to produce as reclaimed wood.
Lower carbon footprint
Reducing waste and energy use is crucial to the end goal of minimising emissions from the construction industry. Switching from being a major contributor to being a proponent of sustainability requires mindfulness and actions.
For instance, the production of construction materials used in buildings and infrastructure — including processes involving cement kilns and blast furnaces — accounts for approximately 20% of global carbon emissions. Switching to modular components can significantly reduce the carbon footprint.
Efficient resource conservation
Conserving resources is a key strategy for building a circular economy in the construction sector. A 2022 report estimates that 40% to 50% of resources extracted for global materials are utilised for housing, construction and infrastructure.
Having a closed-loop system that keeps resources within the building cycle for as long as possible prevents the need to source new ones. It also stretches out the use of materials and energy within circulation.
Promote sustainability in construction practices
Circular construction should be the main goal of every part of a project. Teams that work toward it can reap the benefits of minimising waste while maximising impact. Each implementation makes a difference in the long run.
