As cities and regions across Europe embrace the circular transition, the built environment - buildings, infrastructure, and public spaces - stands at the heart of change. The construction sector is one of the largest consumers of materials and resources throughout a building’s life cycle, from extraction to demolition. At the same time, it is a major economic driver with vast circular potential.

Embedding circular principles into construction offers tangible opportunities: by rethinking how we design, build and (re)use, cities and regions can reduce waste, extend the lifespan of materials, and cut emissions. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, but learning from what works, and what does not, can make all the difference. That is exactly what Wallonia and Drammen are setting out to do.

At first glance, the Norwegian city of Drammen and Wallonia, one of the major regions in Belgium, may seem quite different. Yet both share a strong ambition to make their construction sectors more circular by building value chains and scaling circular markets. They can build on project experience in implementing material inventories, material tracking and establishing hybrid marketplaces for construction materials.

Now, they are taking the next step, together. While the conversation starts on circular construction, both are already planning to open the discussion to other departments for more valuable exchange on their circular transitions.

Both partners wanted to look beyond their usual networks and find peers to exchange experiences with, scaling their existing initiatives. Through the CCRI Twinning Programme, they will dive deep into several sub-topics including relevant material platforms for second hand material or the strategic perspective on circular construction in the respective city and region. The exchange will be guided by CCRI facilitators. Together, they define how their exchanges help them turn their circular ambitions into reality.

This collaboration is just one example of how cities and regions can benefit from finding a partner with similar ambitions.

Applications are open on a rolling basis. Once you apply, the CCRI team will match you with a peer with similar challenges and ambitions. Together, you start with a facilitated kick-off exchange to agree on your shared focus. From there, the learning path is yours to shape.

Application form