How can circular economy principles be applied to the construction and demolition of buildings?

Circular economy principles can be applied to the construction and demolition of buildings by: 1. Design for Disassembly: Create buildings that can be easily deconstructed and materials reused. 2. Material Reuse: Salvage and repurpose materials from demolition for new constructions. 3. Modular Construction: Use modular components that can be easily replaced or repurposed. 4. Recycling: Incorporate recyclable materials and ensure proper sorting during demolition. 5. Resource Efficiency: Optimize material use to minimize waste and select durable, sustainable materials. 6. Lifecycle Assessment: Conduct lifecycle assessments to guide material choices and construction methods for minimal environmental impact.

The implementation of a circular economy framework in the context of buildings is important for a multitude of reasons. Initially, it is noteworthy that the use of this approach leads to a substantial decrease in building and demolition waste, hence mitigating the environmental consequences associated with these practices. Furthermore, the practice of encouraging material reuse and recycling assists to preserve important resources, hence reducing the demand for raw materials. Additionally, the use of existing resources and the reduction of waste disposal prices might lead to a decrease in building costs.

The biggest argument for circular buildings and a circular built environment is quite simple: We are running out of ressources! At the current rate, we are runinng out of copper in the next 50 years, gravel and sand in the next 20 years and cement in the next 50 years.

Complementary to the already shared perspectives, circular building design is further informed by Material Passports, spanning from single-material elements to building component level.

To build circular structures, a holistic approach that considers their whole lifecycle is needed. Modularity and flexibility, which enable dismantling and reconfiguration, should be prioritized. Additionally, sustainable materials that are locally produced or reclaimed and expanded producer responsibility are essential. Design approaches that promote deconstruction, offshore prefabrication, and flexible interiors are suggested for long-term sustainability. Use intelligent building technologies with energy-efficient and renewable energy sources to minimize resource consumption and improve occupant comfort.

To apply circular economy principles to construction and demolition, focus on design for deconstruction, material reuse and recycling, resource efficiency, extended producer responsibility, collaboration, life cycle thinking, and innovative technologies.

I suggest also adding that materials in a building, even if not premanufactured or modular, can be constructed to be easily disassembled. This is called "Design for Deconstruction", or DfD, and is a growing focus in the industry.

The key to a successful circular building design lies in its adaptability, resilience, and the potential to continuously cycle materials in high-value applications. By considering the building's entire lifecycle and the cyclical nature of its components, architects and builders can push the envelope towards a more sustainable built environment.

Managing circular buildings requires a focus on sustainability, adaptability, and maximizing the lifespan and use of materials throughout the building's lifecycle. It means ensuring the building remains flexible to changing needs and stays efficient and sustainable in its operations.

Explore circular business models such as leasing building components or materials, encouraging manufacturers to take back products after their use.

Demolishing a circular building emphasizes deconstruction in line with circular economy principles. This involves a thorough assessment to identify reusable materials. Rather than tearing down the building indiscriminately, it's dismantled in sequences, starting with interior finishes, followed by non-structural components, and finally, structural elements. As the building is taken apart, materials are sorted and segregated based on their type and potential for reuse. The goal is to minimize waste, ensuring that only after all reuse and recycling avenues are exhausted is any material discarded. Following the deconstruction, site restoration is crucial, especially if the land won't be immediately repurposed.

Ideally, you will not demolish them at all, but de-asemble them, because they are built from standardized, reusable components and can be traded on a secondary market where they are bought and reused in the next building.

Policy will be a big activator of this circular building industry awareness. When a policy calls for new or renovated buildings to include a certain % of reused materials, or a certain type of material, such as on-site aggregate and fill, to be from salvaged sources, it creates the market that is needed for contractors to see the value in deconstruction and salvage. Also, suggest words like re-building materials or "re-homed" materials for residential construction, rather than "salvage", which has a connotation of lesser quality.