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Revolution in construction: How circular economy is changing the future!
On April 28, 2025, buildings at the UNI Bochum were demolished. A new circular economy research approach is launching to promote sustainable construction practices.
Revolution in construction: How circular economy is changing the future!
On April 28, 2025, the Collaborative Research Center (SFB) 1683 began its work on campus. Under the title “Interaction methods for the modular reuse of existing structures,” the project aims to create new buildings from old components. This initiative comes against the background that the demolition of existing buildings creates large amounts of construction waste and that building with concrete releases significant CO2 emissions. The initial actions included the demolition of the NA and GC buildings and the rescue of site elements such as walls, ceilings and columns for comprehensive investigations.
How news.rub.de reports, testing these elements is of utmost importance for the development of safe and stable new buildings. According to the SFB, extensive tests are necessary to check the load-bearing capacity as well as possible damage and aging effects. This approach is part of a broader trend that is becoming increasingly important in construction: the circular economy.
Circular economy in construction
The construction sector is responsible for over 50% of resource consumption and waste production globally. Innovative approaches effesus.eu such as recyclable construction and modular construction are at the heart of the circular economy, the goals of which are to keep materials in the economic cycle, protect the environment and maximize the use of resources. The principles “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” play a central role.
It is estimated that around 30% of the world's waste comes from the construction industry. By consistently implementing the circular economy, up to 80% of this waste could be avoided. Around 220 million tons of construction waste are generated every year, of which over 129 million tons are excavated soil. Currently only 13% of aggregates meet the need for recycled building materials. For this reason, there is enormous potential to increase the use of recycled concrete and steel to save raw materials and reduce environmental impact, as well circularculture.eu determines.
Innovative approaches to resource conservation
The circular economy in construction promotes not only the reuse but also the recycling of materials. The different recycling processes include mechanical, thermal and chemical recycling. In addition, the construction industry is taking innovative approaches to recovering materials from old buildings, including the use of windows, doors and other wall modules.
A notable aspect is the modular design, which enables flexible use of construction projects. Future developments in construction, such as digital planning methods and the integration of closed-loop systems, could further reduce material consumption. Technologies such as sensor-based sorting and 3D printing can also set new standards in material efficiency.
In summary, it can be said that the SFB 1683 not only contributes to the improved use of existing resources, but also provides impetus for the entire industry. Innovative methods for material reuse and the integrative approach of the circular economy are crucial to tackling the ecological challenges in construction.