In the long term, construction projects are to be realized in an increasingly sustainable manner. The key term in this context is circular construction. By this, experts mean a way of reusing building materials again and again in a kind of cycle and thus not producing waste, but rather setting an ecological example. Whether this will succeed remains to be seen.
There are initial expert panels, such as those at the DGNB Annual Congress, which bring together real professionals from a wide range of industries. They discuss how sustainable building will be possible in the future. There are still many hurdles. Be it finding the appropriate materials that are suitable for construction or the question of official regulation. Experts still see an urgent need to catch up, especially with regard to building law. But why? So that projects are not nipped in the bud because they fail due to regulations that are simply no longer up to date.
Circular construction put to the test
Before planning, it is important to first define what circular building actually means. What is meant is the claim to build in an environmentally compatible manner and always against the background of what is possible. At present, initial expert estimates suggest that projects with a proportion of around 30 percent made from recycled materials could be classified as circular. This is a conservative estimate that shows how much still needs to happen in this completely new field of the construction industry. And there are reasons for this. While there is definitely a desire among all stakeholders to build in a truly sustainable way, the reality is different. Most of the materials used are not sustainable or recycled. This is due to the lack of existing methods and the fact that perhaps not enough is being invested in this. This is a task for politics, but also for research.
In principle, many things could be recycled, from wood and stone to adhesives and concrete. The big problem: Some of them require a great deal of effort, which does not seem to be worth it at the moment.
Waste separation is a start
At least in terms of construction waste separation, there has been progress for some years. For example, concrete and stones have to be separated into containers. Likewise, contaminated wood and the like. That’s a big step forward toward recycling. But this alone is not enough for circular construction in the form envisaged. New paths must be taken. New opportunities for a completely new and valuable way of building must be seized. This was a step that is long overdue, because the construction industry is still a major factor in environmental pollution. That has to get better. But the question still remains, how can this be done?Take new recycling measures. Make more sustainable building materials available. Is that alone enough for new homes of the future?
The limits of circular construction
The answer is simply: No! Circular building is not just about ensuring that suitable building materials are used. It is about designing structures that make their use possible in the first place. Issues of optimal location, type of materials, and size of future properties are key factors in deciding on projects that are about 30 percent sustainable. For this to happen, existing building codes must first be amended and revised. Wherever this is not possible, experts are needed. Experts who will stand by the side of those willing to build and help traverse the jungle of authorities. Only then can circular construction work.
It needs the willingness of all sides to engage courageously in it and not to let even small obstacles spoil the claim of creating something great in the process. It remains to be seen when a jolt will go through the industry and the great theoretical topic of circular construction will finally be put into practice.
Image copyright: ArturVerkhovetskiy
