Built Environment

Reusing materials and easily moving houses. Circular construction requires a new mindset. To make the transition successful, not only construction but also the people and the economy behind it must change.

Most buildings around us consist primarily of concrete. The grey mixture has been an essential material in construction for decades. It is easy to work with, and it is strong and long-lasting. Moreover, it is relatively cheap. But there is also a downside. A lot of sand is needed to make concrete, which is becoming increasingly scarce. In addition, concrete is also polluting because it cannot yet be fully recycled. But this is now about to change. "We want to close the loop. Using three different technologies, we can turn concrete waste into new concrete again," says Francesco Di Maio, Research director of the Recycling Lab at TU Delft.

A fully circular construction economy by 2050. Are we going to achieve that? t will be difficult, but it starts with good cooperation.