Advancing circular construction through applied science & collective wisdom

We can and should build better than we do today. So why don't we? The construction sector grapples with a dual challenge: transforming its practices to shift from a significant emitter to a positive contributor to sustainable change. Simultaneously, the industry must embrace new knowledge, particularly through research and innovation, to implement scalable practices. In essence, the construction sector needs to acquire new skills to deliver value within planetary boundaries while cultivating the ability to adapt to new skills. This necessitates a comprehensive cultural shift where learning, innovation, and cross-sector collaboration become fundamental values. This way, ongoing successful pilot projects can be scaled effectively, becoming the new norm. In recent years, both in Denmark and internationally, innovative methods on how to build and provide value within ecological constraints have emerged.

However, much of this thinking remains confined to a small part of the research world, specialized organizations, and very few companies. There is a need for a deeper understanding and broader anchoring in practice for these new approaches to truly transform how value is created within the built environment.

That is why I was super glad to bring the key actors within circular economy & applied science to the beautiful island of Bornholm for a 4-day symposium finding synergies and insights across 19 major research projects and share the collective report with you here. Because at BLOXHUB, we believe that a crucial part of the regenerative transition is to closely link research and business, across disciplines and sectors. Our objective is to serve this transformation by helping ensure that the commendable initiatives already underway, as well as those set to commence, are facilitated, and promoted effectively – with a clear call to action to implement them. Through cross-pollination, we aim to enhance research utilization within the industry.

READING GUIDE This publication compiles the collective findings of the Circular Built Environment Network (CBEN). The network consists of fifteen industrial PhDs and four major research projects at the intersection of industry and academia. They focus on opportunities and barriers for the circular economy to drive positive change in the built environment. The network has delved into the threats posed by the historical and continued exploitation of nature, leading to the environmental crisis of the Anthropocene era. Their research underscores the built environment's central role in global carbon emissions, biodiversity loss, and waste production, while stressing the need for a fundamental reevaluation of the industry. The concept of circular building is introduced as part of a solution, but inherent challenges and the call for a more comprehensive and systemic approach are also highlighted. CBEN advocates for a holistic approach that includes considerations of climate, society, nature, and the global economy. The publication comprehensively explores the circular economy's transformative potential across three thematic tracks: Economy & Societal Structures, Transformation & Strategic Research, and Materials & Energy. Each section unveils a unique facet of the circular construction landscape, offering insights and innovations on how circularity and applied science can reshape the built environment. By weaving together abstracts, articles, and interviews, the publication identifies challenges, presents opportunities, and offers solutions for advancing the circular economy's value within the broader context of the construction industry. The text underscores the essential need for collaborative efforts and the application of scientific principles to revolutionize construc tion, ensuring its resilience within planetary boundaries and fostering value for both human beings and other species. By illuminating the intricate connections between societal inequalities, financial motivations, and environmental sustainability, the text reveals the comprehensive nature of the challenges we face. The findings advocate for systemic transformation, and introducing practical solutions within the projects becomes a pivotal aspect of navigating this complex web of issues. The projects provide hope and offer actionable plans for a sustainable future, while pointing to issues that still require innovation and research to resolve. Why a circular built environment network 21 We invite you to critically assess existing paradigms within the construction sector and to actively participate in the collective effort in effecting fundamental change. This call for collaboration, applied science, and systemic reinvention seeks to resonate as a powerful rallying cry, encouraging all stakeholders to to come together and contribute to the fundamental beneficial evolution of the industry. We hope you will embark with us on this green odyssey, where sustainability, applied science, and visionary leadership converge to forge a path toward a circular future in construction. Consider this text as the starting point, and we encourage you to extend the journey by connecting with the researchers and implementing their insights in the field. You may even choose to initiate your own applied science project, future-proofing your work through the cross-pollination of research and industry. Your active involvement is vital to shaping a resilient and innovative future for construction.

Download the report Building A Circular Future - Insights from Interdisciplinary Research here

xx Ditte