A circular future: are we on track?

In the built environment, adopting the principles of the circular economy can greatly reduce environmental impact. However, reliable metrics are needed to measure progress effectively. To address this, the World Business Council for Sustainable Development WBCSD) is developing Circular Transition Indicators CTI) for Buildings, says ALESSIA SANTORO, Senior Associate Built Environment.

THE BUILT environment encompasses all constructed spaces where human activities take place live, work, learn or play and is responsible for 40 per cent of energy-related global carbon emissions and over 30 per cent of global final energy use. This sector also consumes nearly half of the world's natural resources¹.

With the global urban population expected to rise from 55 per cent today to 80 per cent by 20502, the demand for urban infrastructure is skyrocketing. Remarkably, firms are constructing the equivalent of a city the size of Paris every week³.

In 2020, the built environment and mobility sectors (which include construction, transport and related infrastructure) were responsible for 55 per cent of global material demand amounting to 59 billion metric tons. By 2060, total resource extraction could increase by almost 60 per cent compared to 2020, with the built environment and mobility sectors driving this surge+.

In mature economies, about 80 per cent of the buildings already constructed will still be in use by 2050, while emerging markets like Africa have yet to construct some 70 per cent of the building stock needed by 20506.

The Circularity Gap Report 20247 veals that embracing circular economy solutions has the potential to reverse the breaching of planetary boundaries and reduce global material extraction by a third while simultaneously addressing social inequalities. Additionally, the Global Resources Outlook 20244 (GRO24) underscores that decisive actions rooted in circular economy principles can drive systemic decarbonisation and lead to a 30 per cent reduction in material demand in the built environment, all while fulfilling essential human needs.

However, how is it possible to ensure the world is on the correct path and making the right decisions?

WE CAN ONLY MANAGE WHAT WE MEASURE