Framework for existing circular buildings

The construction sector accounts for approximately 50% of total raw material consumption and is responsible for 40% of CO₂ emissions and 36% of energy use. This sector is obviously playing a key role in reducing the negative impact on the environment.

Circular and climate-neutral design and construction are crucial element. These things are easy to measure in new construction, but what about existing buildings? After all, 80% of today’s buildings will still be here by 2050. How can that 80% be managed and used in a circular way, and what should be the priorities with respect to these existing properties?

The Dutch Green Building Council (DGBC) has been working on an international framework for circular existing buildings, in collaboration with Circle Economy, Metabolic, SGS Search, Alba Concepts and Valstar Simonis. This framework meets the need of many parties to also make circularity and circular construction a reality for existing buildings.

Last week, the framework’s international version was released during the Wastebuild conference and presented to Tom Wilson, Delivery Manager of BREEAM (a certification method for a sustainable built environment) at the Building Research Establishment (BRE).

Download the Framework for circular buildings