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Keeping materials 
in the loop. 

IMPACT OF CONSTRUCTION IS ENOURMOUS, ACTION IS TAKEN TOO SLOWLY

Construction materials, from their initial sourcing to their end-of-life phase, exert a significant environmental burden on our planet.

  • 50% of all global raw materials are used in the construction sector

  • 33% of waste and material flows in Europe originate from construction activities.

  • 36% of the EU’s carbon emissions come from the built environment

As the EU aims to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 and aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030, it is imperative that we take action now.

IT ALL STARTS WITH DESIGN

80%

of a product’s environ mental footprint is determined during its design stage

According to the European Environment Agency, one of the most important objectives to reduce emissions of greenhouse gasses is the reduction of material consumption by mainly using products complying with de sign-for-disassembly principles, maximising the recycled content of renovation materials and maximising reuse. 

 

The implementation of these design strategies is done in the design phase. Research shows that decisions made during the design phase have a substantial impact on a product’s longevity, composition, repairability and eventual fate:
80% of a product’s environ mental footprint is determined during its design stage.

CIRCULAR VALUE

Circular value refers to the concept of extracting maximum worth and utility from resources, products, and materials within a closed-loop system.

 

Unlike the traditional linear economy, which follows a "take-make-dispose" model, circular value seeks to minimize waste and environmental impact while promoting sustainable practices. 

 

Circular value extends beyond environmental benefits. To be succesfull in a circular economy it must lead to economic advantages, such as cost savings through resource efficiency, elongating the life cycle of products, increasing product utilization through sharing,  job creation in recycling and repair sectors, and increased resilience in supply chains. ​  

Image by Adrien Olichon

CIRCULAR VALUE AND CIRCULAR BUSINESS MODELS GO HAND IN HAND

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Value Hill, as explained in this whitepaper by Nuovalente, Circle Economy & Sustainable Finance Lab, TU Delft en Het Groene Brein

To reduce our environmental impact, we need to be smarter about how we use materials and cut down on greenhouse gas emissions. This means focusing on creating materials and products that have a strong circular value – essentially, ones that can be reused effectively.

 

It's not just about the products; we need to change the way businesses operate too. Instead of the traditional linear model, we should adopt a circular business model. This ensures that materials and products are reused efficiently, emphasizing their highest value.

 

To make this happen faster, we also need funding. To attract that funding, there needs to be a better understanding and evaluation tools for circularity in the financial industry. 

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