"Circular economy principles can help decarbonize the construction sector"

The construction industry is essential to boosting national economies. It helps countries meet the demand for basic infrastructure and services, and provides essential housing and jobs in regions that are experiencing growing populations. The global market for construction materials, estimated at US$1 trillion in the year 2020, is projected to reach US$1.5 trillion by 2027, with growing construction activities and demands for construction materials in developing countries. Yet, the construction industry still depends on the linear model and is highly intensive in terms of resource and energy use, emissions, and waste generation. In 2019 alone, global carbon emissions embodied in the manufacturing and transporting of construction materials accounted for up to 11% - 23 % of global CO2 emissions.    

 In this session we will explore how the circular economy is seen as a game changer for the construction industry and the built environment – transforming the way construction materials are manufactured and transported, catalyzing innovative business models that change the way buildings and infrastructures are designed, built, used, demolished, or reused.