Most of the natural resources consumed in construction are earth and stone materials. Therefore, the circular economy in the construction industry is only realized when the stone circulates. And when the stone rotates, a whole new gear catches the eye in the circular economy of Finland.
Imagine a world where every building, road and bridge is not only a functional structure, but part of a living, breathing ecosystem. In this world, there is no waste or burden on the environment, but buildings, structures and the entire built environment serve until the end of their life cycle, with its parts continuing to live in new roles.
A circular economy in the construction industry can make utopia a reality. However, the core idea of the circular economy – continuous recycling of resources and minimization of waste – requires significant changes in the entire construction process.
The change is necessary in terms of Finland's circular economy goals, because 55 percent of our raw material consumption takes place in construction. Construction consumption 60 percent takes place in the infrastructure sector, which produces the earth and stone materials needed for construction. They are consumed both in the production of concrete, in the construction and maintenance of roads, as well as in the foundation work of houses.
Earth and stone materials are used elsewhere than in construction. Their use is actually so great that it stands out in the consumption of raw materials at the national level: the share of raw materials in Finland as a whole is approx. 60 percent.
When the stone circulates better than at present, Finland will take a leap towards a circular economy society. Soil and rock materials can be reused and replaced by industrial by-products. This reduces the need for raw materials taken directly from nature.
Concrete ends up in Finland approx 80 percent for recycling, primarily for shredding. It also replaces virgin aggregates in earth and water construction.
However, nature is saved the most when buildings and infrastructure are kept in use for a long time.
What would the implementation of the circular economy in the construction industry require? Three things come to mind.
1. The construction value chain must be renewed along its entire length
The construction value chain is a complex network where each stage is guided by its own practical and economic realities. The implementation of the circular economy cannot be the responsibility of a single stage or actor. A change is needed that will shape actions and thinking along the entire value chain. Both the designer, planner, authority, developer, property owner, customer and builder must check their operating methods. Users of the built environment must also adopt a new perspective; for example, one has to get used to a new kind of urban environment, where building materials can be recycled and nature is more strongly present.
2. Procurements must be seen as nodes of construction and a place to influence
When you order construction, you decide what you require from the contractor. That's why purchases made along the construction value chain play a key role when implementing circular economy measures. A large part of construction is done for the state and municipalities - more than half in the infrastructure sector. It emphasizes the role of the public sector as a driver of the circular economy and the importance of procurement expertise. When circular economy thinking guides public procurement, procurement criteria change. In addition to the criteria that limit the supply of a certain solution or material, criteria are needed that define the goal, but give the implementer the freedom to look for the best solution to reach it. This creates room for innovation and guides the implementer to choose the most sustainable and cost-effective operating method.
3. We too need to look in the mirror
Companies in the construction industry build for others, but cannot push responsibility for the circular economy only on other parties in the chain. Companies have to do their part, and that's why RT decided to draw up its own circular economy green deal commitment. We focus our efforts on the utilization rates of the member companies' own resources such as depots, facilities and machines, repair and maintenance activities and waste management. The introduction of circular economy solutions and the consideration of biodiversity in companies are also under consideration. We promote, for example, the use of native plants and encourage members to adopt procurement criteria that support the circular economy in their own purchases. We also promise to collect sustainability information from members. It helps in developing the company's operations and forming an overall picture of the entire industry. Companies of almost any size must be able to report on the sustainability of their operations - RT helps SMEs in particular by offering a tool for this.
Summary: Not a threat but an opportunity
Construction never ends. Society's existence and renewal to become increasingly green and low-emissions require it.
For example, the infrastructure sector, which uses a lot of raw materials, is responsible for the construction and maintenance of roads and water supply, energy and telecommunication networks. Our current form of life is not possible without them.
The great importance of construction and big numbers are above all an opportunity. They tell about the enormous potential of the field. When this sector recycles, Finland's ranking in international circular economy comparisons can jump from the current bottom positions to the top.
So let's put the stone around together!
Tuuli Kunnas
Standardization manager, product manager
tuuli.kunnas@rt.fi +358 40 172 0073Rakennustuoteollisuus RTT ry
Write a comment