The current environmental state has spurred changes in how construction views its standard practices. Buildings consume a lot of energy in their assembly and daily operations, prompting experts to ponder what the industry can do to lessen their liability. Creating a circular construction environment is an excellent way to start. Instituting this practice would increase sustainability and the built sector’s environmental impact.
What Is a Circular Construction Environment?
A circular environment in construction designs buildings to have a minimal environmental impact from their initial development through their lives. This method includes recycled building materials and reutilized waste to prevent consuming virgin resources. Using recycled materials keeps these supplies out of landfills and typically means less energy is necessary to produce them.
Another key part of circular construction environments is their reusability. These buildings contain materials that crews can repurpose — whether for another structure on the same property or an entirely different project. Keeping items in use instead of in landfills creates better outcomes for the environment.
How Will a Circular Construction Environment Affect the Future?
Recycled building materials are becoming more viable and integral to construction’s future. The industry is moving with the times and calls for sustainability, so adhering to circular environment practices will move it forward.
The average consumer is more likely to support a circular economy now compared to the past. A 2023 Deloitte survey finds 34% of consumers buy secondhand products compared to 29% in 2022, and 76% say they prefer using a repair service over buying something new.
Circular construction environments will also affect businesses within the industry and their daily operations. Many companies focus on new buildings and projects, but the labor shortage has slowed the pace. Associated Builders and Contractors says the industry needs 546,000 additional workers in 2023 to meet demand. A circular environment would shift the need for new construction to a maintenance-focused practice if people stay in their homes longer.
What Recycled Materials Are the Most Viable?
Employing recycled materials is a core part of a circular construction environment. Here are three prominent recycled items that building crews reutilize to reduce waste.
Wood
Some buyers prefer hardwood, but its production is energy-intensive and requires cutting down trees. Recycled wood is a more viable, environmentally friendly option. Reprocessed lumber creates high-quality flooring and walls without contributing to deforestation and other harmful practices. This reclaimed material is typically more affordable, expanding the market for construction companies and their clients.
Steel
Steel is among the most energy-intensive building materials because its producers must burn iron ore. Most of the time, steel producers use coal — a fossil fuel — to generate it. However, recycled steel is rising in popularity due to its reduced environmental impact. The International Energy Agency (IEA) says scrap steel production only requires one-eighth of the energy needed for producing steel with iron ore.
Asphalt
Promoting a circular construction environment is more manageable with asphalt. This material is durable and recyclable — two significant factors in increasing sustainability. Crews must focus on maximizing their asphalt’s productivity with yearly inspections, but it generally requires less maintenance than other materials. Construction managers can recycle it multiple times before it reaches its end of life, making it an excellent choice for the circular environment.
What Are the Benefits of a Circular Construction Environment?
Circular construction environments would benefit the industry and help it stay with the times. These three benefits demonstrate the positives businesses will see.
Reducing Resource Consumption
Resource consumption is a significant problem in construction. Building new homes, offices and large public structures requires many resources. Using virgin materials leads to high energy consumption and a negative environmental impact. The IEA says building operations account for 26% of the world’s emissions. Developers can reduce this liability with recycled products.
Recycled building materials are less energy-intensive because they have already been through the extraction and manufacturing processes once. Using them instead of new supplies helps the environment and reduces the carbon footprint for everyone involved.
Better Reputation
Studies from the past few years indicate consumers favor sustainable practices for themselves and the companies they purchase from. Some clients will demand it in exchange for their purchasing power. Researchers have found similar trends in construction, with buyers voicing their preference for sustainability. For example, a 2021 National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) survey finds that 79% of buyers want an Energy Star rating for the entire home.
Increasing sustainability will assist construction companies by improving their reputation. Consumers associating a business with eco-friendly practices will make them more likely to choose their services. Promoting a circular environment is crucial in the future, considering how younger generations view sustainability. Pew Research Center data show millennials and Gen Zers prioritize addressing climate change more than their elders.
ESG Scores
The younger generations tend to care most about the environment, emphasizing the importance of environmental, social and governance (ESG) scores. This metric shows investors what companies do to promote ESG policies.
Promoting a circular environment helps construction companies with the environmental part of the equation and makes it easier to attract investors. Shareholders in the 2020s are more likely to support those in the built sector demonstrating sound ecological practices.
What Are the Limitations of a Circular Construction Environment?
While a circular construction environment has numerous benefits, there are limits the industry must address. Here are three reasons why implementing this idea is challenging.
Availability of Materials
Building with recycled materials can be challenging if construction companies cannot access them. Larger metropolitan areas may have numerous stores selling repurposed items, but small towns could see limited access due to lower demand and awareness. Shipping these products across long distances increases the carbon footprint, thus reducing the planned positive environmental impact.
Different Building Techniques
Modular construction is a popular method for those creating circular environments. This plan entails constructing buildings inside a climate-controlled facility and increasing their sustainability through 3D printing. However, accessibility is also an issue because these businesses aren’t widely available nationwide. Additionally, they require learning different technologies, which may take time before enough industry professionals are on board.
Navigating Local Regulations
Architects and project managers must navigate local building codes when planning construction. Some places may have strict rules and specific regulations about recycled materials. Construction managers must ensure their supplies adhere to rules regarding fire, electricity, and other health and safety measures. Stringent inspectors may disapprove of a building if it is unsafe due to the recycled materials.
For example, buildings with recycled concrete may be challenging to pass inspection. Research shows that recycled concrete has less compressive strength, which could be a liability when creating columns and beams.
Encouraging Circular Construction for the Future
The modern business landscape calls for increased sustainability in all industries. Reducing environmental impact is even more critical in construction, as the built sector accounts for high energy consumption. The way to move forward is to utilize circular construction environments. This practice has limitations but can significantly help businesses reduce their resource consumption and carbon footprint.
