Together we are leading the way to a circular built environment.

This briefing outlines the barriers and measures that need to be considered when designing policies for a just transition in the EU’s construction industry. It is intended for social partners—including trade unions and sectoral branch organisations—governments, and other institutions in the EU. The briefing dives into two of the circular building pathways from the Circular Building Coaltion’s 2024 Four Pathways Report: 1) Build with the Right Materials; and 2) Build Nothing. These pathways are explored alongside their regulatory and market-level drivers, barriers and the measures needed to safeguard workers. 

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This report discusses the challenges and opportunities in implementing circular economy practices in the concrete industry. Owing to its strength, durability, and versatility, concrete is the most widely used construction material around the world. Yet its value significantly reduces after the first use. By implementing circular strategies, we can change that, increasing its value whilst creating more sustainable, profitable and resource efficient products and buildings. Through the analysis of current practices, case studies and discussions with industry leaders, this article explores the case for going full circle on concrete – and how we can scale up the solutions already in action across the European market.