Built Environment

Built environment has a crucial role to play in the global economy, creating prosperity, innovation and growth

“Adopting circular economy principles could significantly enhance global construction industry productivity, saving at least US$100bn a year.” —World Economic Forum, 2016

The way we currently utilise resources in the built environment is unsustainable for three core reasons:

Depletion of finite resources
Greenhouse gas emissions accelerating climate change
Inequities and human rights challenges

Circularity in the Built Environment

The built environment uses half of the materials extracted, is responsible for one-third of global waste and accounts for approximately 39% of global energy-related CO2 emissions. We need to explore avenues to close material loops and lower emissions through circular solutions while investigating cross-industry opportunities and business models. Stakeholders at every stage of the built environment value chain have a role to play.

Key Features of Circular Economy Initiatives in Built Environment:

Design for Disassembly: Implementing design strategies that facilitate easy disassembly and reuse of building components, promoting resource efficiency and reducing waste.
Material Recycling and Reuse: Encouraging the use of recycled and reclaimed materials in construction to minimize resource extraction and landfilling.
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Integration: Embracing energy-efficient building designs and integrating renewable energy systems to reduce carbon emissions and enhance resilience.
Community Engagement and Stakeholder Collaboration: Fostering partnerships between government, industry, and communities to drive innovation, knowledge sharing, and collective action towards sustainability goals.

Global Initiatives

Articles/Publications:

Policies in India:

India’s built environment sector is embracing the circular economy movement. By prioritizing sustainability, resource efficiency, and community engagement, India is not only transforming its physical infrastructure but also creating healthier, more resilient, and inclusive communities for generations to come.