Circular economy models in construction (joint Cities × NEB × Built4People × CCRI)

Expected outcome

Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes: Measurable increase in the number of tools and solutions at district or city level that are supporting the application of circular economy models by public and private stakeholders active in the construction sector; Measurable reduction of material use and an increase of reuse and recycling in the construction sector as a result of the introduction of new and replicable business models; Measurable reduction in the energy and other resources use and the whole life-cycle GHG emissions of buildings [1] and building stock (residential and non-residential) by introducing circular economy activities at building, district and city level.

Scope

Applying circularity principles in the construction sector at building, district and city level can reduce the whole life-cycle GHG emissions and support more efficient resource use of the building stock, and help deliver climate-neutral, smart and circular cities, and a more sustainable built environment. To achieve this, there is a need for tools, solutions and associated business models with market potential that facilitate the adoption of inclusive circular construction economy models, as well as a more efficient use of buildings, ultimately reducing the need to extract raw materials. Proposals are expected to address all of the following: Develop and demonstrate tools and solutions at district or city level to support the introduction of circularity principles in the construction sector, and quantify their impacts (for example: urban mining; reuse and recycling of construction products and materials and other resources, use of secondary biobased materials; building’s innovative, accessible and adaptive design, renovation, and repurposing of buildings in line with waste prevention and circular economy principles). Develop and demonstrate solutions for the diagnosis and performance characterisation of used construction products and demolition waste, in terms of their condition and potential reuse, and to create inventories of reclaimed products and materials, as well as appropriate business models including marketplace tools with components and material banks. Develop and demonstrate whole life-cycle GHG emissions inventories of buildings to support decision-making and public actions in line with the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) recast. Contribute to reducing regulatory barriers and developing standards, where relevant. Ensure the integration of different value chains, active involvement of all relevant construction sector stakeholders, policy-makers and the people impacted by the solutions developed, including SMEs, building owners, local aut

What this means for cities and regions

Joint topic spanning Cities Mission, New European Bauhaus, the Built4People partnership and the Circular Cities and Regions Initiative. Targets the introduction of circular-economy models in construction at building, district and city scale, with substantial built-environment cost savings and GHG reduction. Project size around €9.5 million × 5 grants; consortium-based; close 8 October 2026.