CIS Insight 02/2022 Moving from linear to circular: incorporating circular economy thinking into the built environment

Publication Year

2022

Document Status

Current

Abstract

While sustainability has become a key topic, most of the world’s economy still relies heavily on a linear “take, make, dispose of” economy model. This requires not only access to enormous quantities of cheap and accessible materials and energy but large areas in which to dispose of products or parts at the perceived end of their lifecycle. Unfortunately, we have reached the point where we are 1) running out of those massive quantities, and 2) waste accumulation and disposal have become problematic. Enter the ideology of a circular economy. In circular thinking, materials, components and products are kept at their highest use and value throughout an extended lifecycle. The focus from beginning to end is on restoration, regeneration and reuse rather than disposal. This CIS Insight explores circular thinking and how you can make it work for you.

Author

Sharman, J.

Publisher Information