Leading markets are already demonstrating what circular approaches look like, for example by implementing take-up of material passports – digital inventories that catalogue every component within a building. These enable materials to be tracked, valued and resold, effectively reimagining decommissioned buildings as material banks.
In Copenhagen, Resource Rows is an example of material reuse at scale, utilising reclaimed waste brick, steel, concrete beams and wood for 92 homes. Similarly, the Gate 13 office development in Oslo used 80% reused components and materials, including steel, tile, brick, wood, cladding panels, windows, and even concrete floor plates.
A circular approach offers other advantages, including cutting waste and associated disposal costs. In the context of global volatility, sourcing reclaimed materials can also shorten supply chains and lead times. Recovering materials in the deconstruction phase can also deliver wider on ESG objectives. In London, a major office retrofit in Victoria Street successfully re-covered and sold materials for direct reuse, with the proceeds donated to support the local community.
