Transition from a linear to a circular economy in the construction and public works sectors

Summary

The construction and public works sector is both the biggest consumer of resources and the biggest producer of waste (in terms of tonnage) in France. As a result, it is pioneering the implementation of the circular economy (CE) on a large scale. This is why this major sector is so interesting to follow. A review of the current state of the CE in the construction and public works sector and an analysis of a number of projects in Europe (both in densely populated areas and in rural areas) show that players in the construction and public works sector are developing profitable holistic CE models. CE is no longer seen as a material loop that is integrated in a limited and opportunistic way into the traditional business model, but as a systemic approach that gives it a central role in the worksite.

Several of the lessons learned from this study can be applied to many sectors of the economy, which are also sources of value creation.  The systemic nature of the CE requires a general reorganisation of the economy across all sectors. The industrialisation of processes, the digitalisation of tools, the generalisation of strong CE requirements in public and private tenders, the fluidity of markets for eco-designed materials, and the training of key players in the new CE professions all represent fundamental steps in the transition from a linear economy to a viable circular economic system.