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
UKCW London to tackle sector’s most pressing issues
AI and skills development, ecology and the environment, policy and planning and more.
Managing building safety risks
Across an existing residential portfolio; a client's perspective.
ECA support for Gate Safe’s Safe School Gates Campaign.
Core construction skills explained
Preparing for a career in construction.
Retrofitting for resilience with the Leicester Resilience Hub
Community-serving facilities, enhanced as support and essential services for climate-related disruptions.
Some of the articles relating to water, here to browse. Any missing?
Recognisable Gothic characters, designed to dramatically spout water away from buildings.
A case study and a warning to would-be developers
Creating four dwellings... after half a century of doing this job, why, oh why, is it so difficult?
Reform of the fire engineering profession
Fire Engineers Advisory Panel: Authoritative Statement, reactions and next steps.
Restoration and renewal of the Palace of Westminster
A complex project of cultural significance from full decant to EMI, opportunities and a potential a way forward.
Apprenticeships and the responsibility we share
Perspectives from the CIOB President as National Apprentice Week comes to a close.
The first line of defence against rain, wind and snow.
Building Safety recap January, 2026
What we missed at the end of last year, and at the start of this...
National Apprenticeship Week 2026, 9-15 Feb
Shining a light on the positive impacts for businesses, their apprentices and the wider economy alike.
Applications and benefits of acoustic flooring
From commercial to retail.
From solid to sprung and ribbed to raised.
Strengthening industry collaboration in Hong Kong
Hong Kong Institute of Construction and The Chartered Institute of Building sign Memorandum of Understanding.
A detailed description from the experts at Cornish Lime.
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.