Our shared understanding: a circular economy in the built environment
Our Shared Understanding was published on June 1st 2023 and is a summary of the core concepts that inform the transition to a circular economy. The report highlights that the fact that holding these principles in common, policies, strategies and initiatives can be aligned, enabling social and economic infrastructure, urban spaces and managed landscapes of the built environment and its industries to work together towards a more sustainable future.
This short report with a list of signatory individuals from over 80 organisations, including BSI, BMF, CIAT, CPA, IOM3, EA, UKGBC and others, covers in brief the theme of the circular economy as a public statement. It describes what is meant by the circular economy and why it is needed, particularly in the built environment. It describes the outcomes of woking with nature, people and systems that can support the transitional process, including economics and how collective action, supporting diversity can create positive change.
For more information and to download the report visit : https://www.circularbuiltenvironment.com
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Building transformation: concepts and definitions.
- Circular economy.
- Construction waste disposal.
- C02nstruct Zero programme.
- Circular economy and design for change within the built environment: preparing the transition.
- End of life potential.
- How do current policies support a transition towards a circular economy in the built environment?.
- Life cycle in the built environment.
- Planned obsolescence.
- Product-life extension: product-life factor.
- Material intensity.
- Material resource efficiency in construction: Supporting a circular economy.
- Resource efficiency.
Featured articles and news
We're expanding our collaborative mission by launching DB Intelligence, an exclusive market research advisory panel. Built environment professionals can now get paid to share their expertise on industry trends, products and services.
Panel members receive direct financial incentives for participating in research projects like short surveys, 1-2-1 interviews and focus groups. Register today to shape the future of the construction sector.
Planning condition discharge in England and Wales
A brief exoplanation from a building compliance expert, with further links.
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
Guidance for dealing with element of building fabric control that have increasing importance.
Shading for housing, a design guide
From the Good Homes Alliance and British Blind and Shutter Association.
UK Standard Skills Classification (SSC)
A shared framework for describing skills needs.
Social media ban consultation comes to close
CIOB urges UK Government to consider social media’s role in careers guidance in ban debate.
The latest of eight Skills England apprenticeship units
The addition of battery manufacturing welcomed by ECA with a warning about the risks of fast-tracked apprenticeship units.
Building Control Independent Panel final report
A precis of a key report led by Dame Hackitt with full recommendations and link to the government response.
Building Safety recap April, 2026
A short and longer run-through of the month, with links to further information and sources.
CIAT May 2026 briefing.
From medieval scribes to modern word art.
ECA welcomes crackdown on late payment and push for clean energy, whilst CIOB seek fixed cladding removal timeframes.
Cyber Security in the Built Environment
Protecting projects, data, and digital assets: A CIOB Academy TIS.
Managing competence in the built environment
ITFG publishes new industry guide on how to meet the ICC principles.
The UK's campaign to reduce noise pollution: Mythbusting, articles and topic guides.






















Comments
[edit] To make a comment about this article, click 'Add a comment' above. Separate your comments from any existing comments by inserting a horizontal line.