From linear to circular: Circular Economy in the Danish construction industry

The construction industry relies predominantly on the take-make-dispose principle. That contributes significantly to resource depletion and creates a considerable negative environmental impact. Therefore, a paradigm shift is necessary, which helps achieve sustainable processes and minimises the negative contributions. Circular Economy is based on the principle that the value of products, materials and resources is maintained as long as possible by reusing and thereby minimising waste. However, Circular Economy is still to be adopted at a larger scale. This paper presents a methodology for assessment of the circularity level of AEC organisations and enables the discovery of specific actions which can lead the way to a circular industry. The method provides a measure of the current state of the company processes in accordance with five Circular Economy pillars. The results show that implementing Circular Economy is associated with motivating the companies to take action, strengthening collaboration, and implementing circular processes.