Mace Advocates for Circular Construction in London: Closing the Loop for a Sustainable Future

_Introduction

In a groundbreaking report titled "Closing the Circle," Mace, a prominent construction and consultancy company, is calling for a paradigm shift in the construction industry towards circular economy principles. The report makes a compelling case for London, and particularly the City of London, to lead the way in embracing circular construction practices. By incentivising and embedding circularity throughout the building lifecycle, Mace believes that the construction industry can not only save money but also significantly reduce its carbon footprint. In this blog post, we explore the key findings of the report and the potential impact of transitioning to circular construction in the heart of London.

_{Key Findings of "Closing the Circle"}

Mace's report sheds light on the current state of construction waste in London, revealing that an impressive 90.2% of waste from demolition and construction activities is currently recovered for reuse or recycling. However, the report emphasises that the majority of this reclaimed material does not find its way back into the construction sector. Instead, it often flows into other industries or is exported overseas, necessitating the continued use of virgin materials in construction projects.

The report argues for the establishment of a closed materials loop, where recycled materials are consistently reintegrated into the construction sector. This, according to Mace, would not only cut lifecycle emissions associated with redevelopment projects but also lead to significant cost reductions.

_{The Call for London to Take the Lead}

Mace's report makes a compelling case for London, and particularly the City of London, to become a trailblazer in the adoption of circular construction practices. By taking the lead, the city can set an example for other urban centers globally, showcasing the economic and environmental benefits of embracing circular economy principles.

_{Incentivising and Embedding Circularity}

The report suggests that a crucial step towards circular construction involves creating incentives and frameworks that encourage the consistent use of recycled materials within the construction sector. This could include financial incentives, regulatory measures, and certification programs that reward companies for adopting circular practices.

Moreover, embedding circularity across the building lifecycle requires collaboration among stakeholders, including government bodies, construction companies, suppliers, and local communities. Mace emphasises the importance of a coordinated effort to realise the full potential of circular construction and create a sustainable and resilient urban environment.

_{Closing Thoughts}

Mace's "Closing the Circle" report is a compelling call to action for the construction industry, particularly in London, to embrace circular economy principles. By closing the materials loop and reusing/recycling construction waste within the sector, London has the opportunity to significantly reduce both its environmental impact and construction costs. As we move towards a more sustainable future, the construction industry must heed the call for circularity, and London could be at the forefront of this transformative journey. The time is ripe for stakeholders to come together, innovate, and pave the way for a circular construction revolution.