Shifting to a circular economy, which is nature-positive by design, can build prosperity while tackling climate change and other global challenges. This study shows that a targeted set of investable and scalable actions in the built environment sector represents a significant economic opportunity for Europe, increasing resilience, competitiveness and the vibrancy of its cities. It also aims to show that circular and nature-positive strategies can be applied across sectors.

To illustrate how the benefits of a nature-positive, circular economy can be realised in a tangible, high-impact way, this study focuses on the built environment using new analysis drawn from quantitative modelling and interviews with expert practitioners.

Over the past decade, the EU has demonstrated an unprecedented commitment to advancing a circular economy, advocating for action at national, regional and local level. However, most economies remain predominantly linear.

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of circular economy practices, challenges and opportunities in cities and regions, building on a survey of 64 cities and regions of the EU, lessons learned from 10 place-based policy dialogues in specific cities and regions, and desk research. It concludes with policy recommendations to accelerate a territorial approach to the circular economy for place-based policies that are aligned with EU-wide goals.

The Horizon Europe project INBUILT aims to bring about a shift in the European construction industry by integrating circular economy and digitalisation. It focuses on scaling up and demonstrating 10 innovative products and systems designed to make building practices more sustainable. 

These innovations fall into two key categories: Reused and recycled materials which will reduce waste through the smart repurposing of materials from existing sources, and low-carbon building products developed using bio-based or geo-sourced materials to significantly lower the environmental impact of construction. 

This booklet presents a series of factsheets outlining each innovation developed by INBUILT. They will be updated when the project comes to an end.

While circular economy practices offer substantial environmental and economic benefits along with local job creation, their implementation requires significant adjustments in working conditions and practices. 

This briefing dives into two of the circular building pathways identified as having high social impacts in the Circular Buildings Coalition’s 2024 Four Pathways Report: 1) Build with the Right Materials; and 2) Build Nothing. 

These pathways are explored, along with their regulatory and market-level drivers, barriers and the measures needed to safeguard workers.