With a growing urgency to apply circular principles in practice, the third and final Reincarnate Discussion Forum, held on May 7, 2025, brought together experts to explore how to translate circular ambitions into concrete strategies for the construction and demolition sector. Part of a series organised by Erasmus University Rotterdam, the session focused on reducing waste, extending the life of materials, and promoting resource efficiency through real-world examples and collaborative dialogue.
Dorina Stanculescu from AUSTRALO opened the session by briefly recapping the two previous forums – one focused on general challenges in circular construction, the other on creating public value. She explained that this third and final event would shift the focus to practical implementation, with speakers sharing real examples and approaches.
Linda Karlsson, from Akademiska Hus, shared how her organisation is moving from targets to results. Through the application of a “four-step principle,” they prioritise reusing and retrofitting existing buildings over building new ones, supported by a climate budget that sets specific emission goals. She presented practical examples such as converting an office building into student housing and reusing concrete structures through the VÅRTAHUS project. She also highlighted the role of procurement in making circularity viable, offering higher payment for reused materials
While progress has been strong, she acknowledged the market for reused components remains limited and costly, urging a shift in perception: “We’ve reused materials for decades—we just need to value it properly.”
Bruno Lineatte of Bouygues Construction introduced a wide-ranging approach, combining technical innovation with business transformation. He discussed Synéo, a platform that supports reuse through local hubs, digital infrastructure, and partnerships with suppliers, start-ups, and regulators. Drawing from past experiments like the ABC building and Circular Design Experience, he outlined a model where buildings are designed for adaptability, reversibility, and long-term value.
He spoke about turning underused space into revenue, enhancing building productivity through design, and developing buildings that can shift function over time. He emphasised the importance of economic realism: “We have to convince our clients—and that means showing them value, not just impact.”
Andre van Delft from DEMO Consultants offered a grounded and honest take on the realities of adopting circular practices. Initially sceptical of circularity, his view shifted through his work on the Reincarnate project, where he and his team have been developing digital tools to support reuse at scale. These include platforms for mapping material inventories, assessing reuse potential, and connecting to existing marketplaces.
He stressed that circularity depends on interoperability, shared data, and collaborative infrastructure. He pointed to pilot projects across Europe where these tools are being applied and tested in real construction settings. What changed his mind most, he said, was seeing commercial players becoming actively interested—not for image, but for real business opportunity.
The final discussion, moderated by Selma Toktas from Erasmus University, gave space for deeper exchange. Questions covered the cost gap between reused and new materials, how to measure circular progress, and whether carbon pricing plays a meaningful role. Linda noted that measurement is becoming more relevant internally, though mindset change has led the shift so far.
Bruno explained how carbon was being included in advisory models, but not yet enough to fully offset the financial gap. Andre observed that some front runners—often family-owned companies—are investing now with the next generation in mind, rather than short-term gain. What all speakers agreed on was that the market, though moving, still lacks the volume and incentives to make circularity the norm. Collaboration, standardisation, and client education were seen as key to unlocking scale.
In closing, Dorina reminded the audience that while this was the last forum in the series, the work continues. She encouraged participants to follow the Reincarnate project online and to explore the Reincarnate Academy for training and tools.
“We hope we’ve helped make circularity feel less like a buzzword—and more like something real, useful, and possible.”