The Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the European Commission has published a comprehensive report on Circular Technologies in Construction, emphasizing the significant role that standardization plays in transitioning the construction industry towards a circular economy. The document highlights the pressing need for new frameworks and guidelines that will ensure sustainability in construction practices, while addressing key gaps in current methodologies.
The report begins by explaining how the construction sector, as one of the largest contributors to waste generation in Europe, must shift from traditional linear models to circular ones. This requires retaining more value in the construction supply chain—from entire buildings down to materials—while reducing waste and promoting environmental responsibility.
Key areas identified for future development include establishing clear frameworks to measure circularity, ensuring the quality of reused and recycled materials, and adopting new design principles that support adaptability and disassembly of construction components. It also explores the growing importance of efficient data management, where digital tools like Building Information Modelling (BIM) can play a key role in tracking material use and lifecycle impacts.
Moreover, the report outlines the need for better collaboration among stakeholders, from policymakers to construction professionals, to bridge existing gaps in standardization and accelerate the adoption of circular practices. This collaborative approach will help establish guidelines that are not only practical but also scalable, benefiting both large industries and small businesses alike.
The JRC report ultimately offers a roadmap for how the construction industry can integrate circular principles to enhance competitiveness, drive innovation, and meet the environmental goals set out in the European Green Deal
Download full report here