Abstract
The construction sector is progressively becoming more circular by reducing waste, re-using building materials and adopting regenerative solutions for energy production and biodiversity protection. The implications of circularity on construction activities are complex and require the careful evaluation of impacts to select the appropriate path forward. Evaluations of circular solutions and their environmental effectiveness are often performed based on various types of life cycle-based impact assessments. This paper uses systemic thinking to map and evaluate different impact assessment methodologies and their implications for a shift to more circular solutions. The following systemic levels are used to group the methodologies: product (material life cycle declarations and building assessments), organisation (certification and management schemes) and system (policies, standards and regulations). The results confirm that circular economy is integrated at all levels. However, development and structure are not coordinated or governed unidirectionally, but rather occur simultaneously at different levels. This recursive structure is positive if the methods are applied in the correct context, thus providing both autonomy and cohesion in decision making. Methods at lower systemic levels may then improve production processes and stimulate the market to create circular and innovative building solutions, whereas methods at higher systemic levels can be used, for example, by real estate builders, trade organisations and governments to create incentives for circular development and innovation in a broader perspective. Use of the performance methods correctly within an actor network is therefore crucial for successful and effective implementation of circular economy in the construction sector.
Highlights
Circular economy (CE) is becoming well known as a key concept for managing natural and technical resources towards a more sustainable society (Geissdoerfer et al 2017)
Requirements for CE solutions and the assessments of their environmental effectiveness are often based on the same foundation, i.e. the construction life cycle of the building
Reduction of waste and re-use of building materials through circular solutions have been especially in focus (López Ruiz et al 2020), but the concept may be adapted for other regenerative systems such as energy production and nature conservation as well (Mulhall and Braungart 2010)
Summary
Circular economy (CE) is becoming well known as a key concept for managing natural and technical resources towards a more sustainable society (Geissdoerfer et al 2017). The built environment has multiple functions of importance for many different people and should function over many years, even for decades. Choices made in this sector today are likely to have widespread societal impacts for the foreseeable future. Gallego-Schmid et al (2020) point to the potential for emission reduction of 30–50% by closing resource loops, but conclude that systemic oriented barriers and lack of understanding hamper the realisation of this reduction in practice. Górecki et al (2019) adds to the discussion by calling for a better understanding of CE horizontally, across topics and involved sectors, and vertically, from individual projects to international bodies
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
