Putting science into standards
The report emphasizes the importance of standardisation in promoting circular construction and the circular economy. It discusses the need for future standardisation and pre-normative research for circular construction in terminology, metrology, such as indicators, performance characterisation, compatibility and operability assessments. Several opportunities for synergies are uncovered, such as collaboration between the New European Bauhaus and circular construction. The report presents a gap analysis carried out by CEN/TC350 on circularity in the construction sector and emphasizes the importance to overcome cradle-to-grave construction frameworks. Strategies to bridge these gaps include enhancing standardisation, collaboration, and innovation. Four strategic areas could benefit from standardisation: a) frameworks and indicators to measure circularity, b) quality assurance of reused and recycled material, end-of-waste criteria, c) design for circularity, adaptability and disassembly, and d) building information. The report also highlights the need for clear objectives, focused standards, cost-effectiveness, common future scenarios, resource indicators, and practical implementation aspects to advance circularity in the construction industry. The recommendations provided aim to guide future standardisation activities, aligning with circular principles to drive industry competitiveness and environmental stewardship. Taking first steps towards a standardisation roadmap, the study highlights specific areas that CEN/TC 350 may consider in their future work programme and suggests high priority topics based on discussions with stakeholders.
JENET Andreas;
LAMPERTI TORNAGHI Marco;
TSIONIS Georgios;
SEJERSEN Amanda;
MOSELEY Philippe;
DE LA FUENTE NUNO Arturo;
WROBEL Malgorzata;
HOBBS Gilli;
GULDAGER JENSEN Kasper;
CHEVAUCHE Catherine;
LEVY Michael H;
OSSET Philippe;
DENTON Steve;
OTTOSEN Lisbeth;
LYNCH Janet;
LEWIS Martha;
FUCHS Manfred;
MIAN Livia;
MAURER Philip;
TAUCER Fabio;
2024-05-14
Publications Office of the European Union
JRC137756
978-92-68-15426-7 (online),
978-92-68-15425-0 (print),
1831-9424 (online),
1018-5593 (print),
EUR 31928 EN,
OP KJ-NA-31-928-EN-N (online),
OP KJ-NA-31-928-EN-C (print),
https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC137756,
10.2760/876431 (online),
10.2760/600209 (print),
