The circular economy has a wide impact on society. A construction industry operating on the principles of a circular economy can significantly promote sustainable development, resource efficiency and the adaptability and well-being of society as a whole.
As much as half of the natural resources used end up in construction. The vast majority of this is earth and stone materials, which are used, for example, in the production of concrete and civil engineering.
Construction accounts for about 12 percent of all waste in Finland. Of this, more than 90 percent are earth masses that can be classified as waste, and just under 10 percent are other construction and demolition waste. The vast majority of house construction waste is used as material or energy.
In the construction industry, it is important to reduce the use of virgin raw materials, i.e. raw materials taken directly from nature, and the dependence on them, for example by making extensive use of waste materials. At the same time, less new waste is generated.
Planned and regular maintenance and repair of buildings and structures also extends their life cycle, which also reduces the need for resources.
A resource-wise circular economy reduces climate emissions
The construction industry also plays a key role in mitigating and adapting to climate change. The material efficiency of construction reduces greenhouse gas emissions both in terms of the manufacturing of building products, the construction itself, and the use phase.
An adaptable built environment supports the functioning of society ecologically, economically and socially. In terms of the circular economy of construction, the most important decisions are already made in the planning phase.
For example, land use planning outlines where and how to build, how far materials necessary for construction have to be transported or how the existing building stock can be utilized. The basis for the long service life of the built environment is also created already in the planning phase. Even then, you have to consider easy repairability, but also conversion flexibility.
Green deal agreements speed up changes
Green deals are voluntary, fixed-term agreements made between the state, business and municipalities to achieve environmental goals more quickly.
Construction Industry RT signed in December 2020 construction plastics -green dealinThe agreement, which runs until 2027, is part of the national plastics roadmap. The goal is to reduce the consumption of plastic films through various means.
RT has decided to join in too to a strategic circular economy green dealThe first signatories to the agreement were announced in September 2024.
Green deals are an important way to accelerate the transition to a circular economy. By committing to them, RT commits, among other things, to improving its members' knowledge base in the circular economy and collecting data from its membership on the implementation of its goals. RT also encourages members to make their own commitments under the green deals.
Siisti Raksa presents concrete methods
With the Siisti raksa campaign, the RT building industry wants to draw attention to practical ways to improve the circular economy and sustainability of the construction industry.
Cool Raksa highlights the circular economy in a visible and practical way according to the chosen theme each year:
- 2022 Littering (batteries and cigarette butts)
- 2023 Control of alien species
Circular economy in building services
The Building Services Circular Economy project has prepared a comprehensive report on the current state and prospects of the building services circular economy, as well as instruction cards presenting practical solutions, which have been prepared for the following target groups: property owner, designer, wholesaler, product manufacturer and contractor.
Trainings and additional information
The construction industry has compiled basic information about ways to promote a low-carbon circular economy into online training. Training funded by Sitra is available not only to those working in the field, but also to students of the construction industry free of charge.
Building while taking nature into account
The built environment plays a crucial role in combating climate change and nature loss. The construction industry is looking for ways to reduce the harm caused by its operations and increase the benefits.
Read examples of practical actions