Mobilizing circularity within the built environment has been challenging to date given the current linear model upon which it has evolved, a model that is deeply embedded within existing industry supply chains, construction techniques, and mindsets. To shift the construction industry, it will be essential to consider the perspectives of all the system actors, build greater awareness around the opportunities, remove frictions, demonstrate successes and viability, then replicate and scale.
Motivating system actors to embrace circularity practices within the construction sector means identifying underlying value propositions….the “what’s in it for me?”. The drivers for uptake and action vary by individual and include economic factors (e.g., increased efficiency, cost savings, and greater affordability), environmental drivers (e.g., reduced waste and carbon emissions), building resilience (e.g., adaptability and flexibility over time), and more.
From a greenhouse gas reduction perspective, a recent publication by the Circular Buildings Coalition highlights four “circular building pathways” that foster a net-zero construction sector (see image below).
CELC has been working with CSA Group and other industry and government partners on an initiative to develop a strategic framework for future action. This strategic framework, developed by Innovation North, focuses on three circularity elements of the built environment: the adaptive reuse of existing buildings, the adaptive design of new buildings, and the reuse of materials.
We’ll be exploring the results of this year-long project in collaboration with CSA Group and our project partners during a free webinar on June 18 focused on mobilizing circularity in Canada’s built environment and construction sector. We invite you to join us for the discussion and help advance a national plan for action!
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