TY - CHAP
T1 - Circular Material Usage Strategies—Principles
AU - Santos, Paulo
AU - Byrne, Aimee
AU - Karaca, Ferhat
AU - Villoria, Paola
AU - del Rio, Mercedes
AU - Pineda-Martos, Rocío
AU - Cervantes Puma, Genesis Camila
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© The Author(s) 2025.
PY - 2025
Y1 - 2025
N2 - The construction industry significantly contributes to global greenhouse gas emissions, raw material extraction, and waste production. Implementing circular economy (CE) principles in this sector could greatly reduce these impacts. However, adoption within the industry remains slow due to barriers such as limited knowledge and experience. This chapter aims to assess and help overcome these obstacles by providing a comprehensive analysis of circular material usage principles and strategies in construction. It also highlights opportunities and enablers of change, including innovations and emerging technologies in recycling, digitization, robotic systems, new materials, and processing techniques. Four case studies illustrate the application of circular theory through a Bio-Building, Urban Mining and Recycling (UMAR) Experimental Unit, Open-spaced apartment, and an “Escuela Politécnica Superior”. The conclusions emphasize the need for strong regulatory frameworks, awareness initiatives, and international cooperation. Integrating technological advancements like AI, robotics, and blockchain is crucial for optimizing waste management. Additionally, education on circular practices is vital. By fostering global collaboration, standardizing circular construction approaches can lead to a more sustainable and resilient building industry.
AB - The construction industry significantly contributes to global greenhouse gas emissions, raw material extraction, and waste production. Implementing circular economy (CE) principles in this sector could greatly reduce these impacts. However, adoption within the industry remains slow due to barriers such as limited knowledge and experience. This chapter aims to assess and help overcome these obstacles by providing a comprehensive analysis of circular material usage principles and strategies in construction. It also highlights opportunities and enablers of change, including innovations and emerging technologies in recycling, digitization, robotic systems, new materials, and processing techniques. Four case studies illustrate the application of circular theory through a Bio-Building, Urban Mining and Recycling (UMAR) Experimental Unit, Open-spaced apartment, and an “Escuela Politécnica Superior”. The conclusions emphasize the need for strong regulatory frameworks, awareness initiatives, and international cooperation. Integrating technological advancements like AI, robotics, and blockchain is crucial for optimizing waste management. Additionally, education on circular practices is vital. By fostering global collaboration, standardizing circular construction approaches can lead to a more sustainable and resilient building industry.
KW - Buildings
KW - Circular economy
KW - Circular materials
KW - Overview
KW - Principles
KW - Strategies
UR - https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/85211143183
U2 - 10.1007/978-3-031-73490-8_7
DO - 10.1007/978-3-031-73490-8_7
M3 - Chapter
AN - SCOPUS:85211143183
T3 - Springer Tracts in Civil Engineering
SP - 175
EP - 213
BT - Springer Tracts in Civil Engineering
PB - Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH
ER -
