In the wake of the pandemic, a quiet revolution has been brewing within the construction industry. As regulatory pressures mount and environmental concerns intensify, developers are increasingly turning to circularity as a means of reducing waste and minimizing their carbon footprint. While the shift towards reuse and recycling is gaining momentum, old habits die hard, and challenges remain.
Roy Fishwick, managing director of Cleveland Steel and Tubes, has witnessed firsthand the changing attitudes towards reused steel. Just a few years ago, he struggled to convince clients of the benefits of recycling steel sections. “It was like talking to a brick wall,” Fishwick recalls. “But now, it’s a completely different story. People are asking about it all the time.”
The catalyst for this newfound interest can be traced back to the Greater London Authority’s (GLA) introduction of Circular Economy Statements. These statements, which became mandatory for larger developments in 2022, require project planners to outline how they will reduce waste throughout the building’s lifecycle.
Katherine Adams, director of Reusefully, a consultancy specializing in circular construction, has also observed a growing awareness of the issue. “While it might not be a seismic shift,” she says, “there’s definitely more understanding of the topic, and more people talking about it and trying to do their bit.”
The potential benefits of circularity in construction are substantial. According to a report by contractor Mace, adopting circular practices in London alone could keep 13.8 million tonnes of material, worth £1.25bn, in the supply chain over the next decade. This would not only save money but also reduce carbon emissions by 11 million tonnes.
At the heart of circularity lies the principle of keeping materials in use for as long as possible. This involves designing buildings for flexibility and adaptability, investing in maintenance and repairs, and reusing elements whenever possible. While recycling and downcycling play a role, a truly circular approach goes beyond simply turning waste into new products.
Eoin Bailey, UK innovation and circular economy lead at Celsa Steel UK, emphasizes the importance of designing products that can be easily repaired or reused. “A circular approach means moving away from the disposable model and towards a materials-as-a-service model,” he explains.
One of the most significant challenges in implementing circularity is the cost. Dismantling buildings carefully to recover materials can be time-consuming and expensive. Additionally, current construction contracts often do not incentivize circular practices.
However, there are signs of progress. Companies like Reusefully are developing tools and processes to identify reusable materials in existing buildings. And the steel industry has been working to establish standards and specifications for reused steel.
As regulatory pressures continue to mount and the climate crisis intensifies, the construction industry must embrace circularity. By adopting more sustainable practices, we can reduce waste, conserve resources, and create a more resilient built environment for generations to come.