Closing the Loop: How the Circular Economy is Transforming Real Estate Development
The concept of the circular economy is revolutionising industries worldwide, and the real estate sector is no exception. The circular economy is a regenerative economic system that aims to minimise waste and resource depletion by promoting reuse, refurbishment, and recycling of materials.
The real estate sector is one of the largest consumers of natural resources and energy, as well as one of the most significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions and waste generation. According to the World Economic Forum, buildings account for 40% of global energy consumption, 30% of raw material use, and 20% of carbon emissions.
The linear model of “take-make-dispose” is not only unsustainable but also costly and inefficient. It leads to the loss of valuable materials and resources and the degradation of the environment and human health. In recent years, forward-thinking developers have embraced the principles of a circular economy to create sustainable and environmentally friendly real estate projects.