Circular construction

Moving from a linear to a circular economic model in construction

This approach advocates circular design, building maintenance, reuse and remanufacture (in that order) throughout the Brussels region. Designing buildings capable of adapting to new uses while limiting the environmental impact of these transformations, using our built environment more intelligently, promoting the continued circulation of physical resources, building using salvaged materials… these are just a few of the concepts at the heart of this vision.

Approach and key elements of the circular economy for the construction sector

Circular design and construction: from design to completion

• Designing for adaptability (concept and planning)
• Designing in layers (layers)
• Choosing materials (materials)
• Planning for dismantling and deconstruction (assembly)
• Avoiding waste and maximising resources (waste)

Urban mining: using materials already available in existing building stocks

• Selective deconstruction (deconstruct)
• Reuse and preparation for reuse (reuse)
• Remanufacturing
• Recycling

Economic models in circular construction: creating new value chains and added value for stakeholders

• The functional economy
• The sharing economy
• The lifetime extension economy