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The buildings and construction sector is a major driver of our economy, wellbeing, and the global environmental impacts, representing 11%-13% of Global GDP, and accounting for around 37% of energy-related CO2 emissions and nearly 50% of global material extraction. These trends are expected to intensify as an estimated 50% of the buildings that will exist by 2050 have not been built yet. It presents both a challenge and an opportunity to rethink what type of construction is built and where, how much is being built, and how they are built.
UNEP advocates for a shift towards a circular economy in the built environment to build less and better, where resources are used efficiently, waste and pollution is eliminated, and the value of materials is retained across the entire building lifecycle (at their highest value), while allowing for nature regeneration.
The GlobalABC Materials Hub, in partnership with the One Planet Networkand the Life Cycle Initiative, leads UNEP’s efforts to advance circularity in the buildings and construction sector through its Circular Built Environment Working Group, one of the three core components of the hub.
The Circular Built Environment working group (CBE) aims to promote awareness, capacity building, and development in the circular built environment to combat climate change, biodiversity loss, and resource depletion, while fostering inclusive employment and boosting local economies. CBE focuses on three key thematic areas:
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Efficient Use of Existing Buildings: Extending the operational life of existing buildings through retrofitting, adaptive reuse, and flexible use of vacant spaces to avoid new construction.
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Reuse and Recycling of Building Materials: Promoting the reuse of building parts and recycling of materials, as well as the incorporation of industrial by-products, to minimize the need for virgin resources.
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Promotion of Long Service Life in New Construction: Supporting material efficiency and life cycle thinking in new construction projects to ensure that buildings are designed for longevity and minimal environmental impact.
