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Knowledge category: Papers and reports

Addressing the environmental and climate footprint of buildings

Updated on 29.07.2025

This report undertakes an integrated assessment of the buildings system and proposes a holistic approach to the relevant environmental and climate issues. It explores the future of a sustainable buildings system, key drivers for change and potential responses. The aim is to support policies that promote climate mitigation, reservation and restoration of biodiversity, and a circular economy.

Author: European Environment Agency
Year of publication: 2024

Relevance for Circular Systemic Solutions

The report addresses the construction and building renovation value chains, focusing on reducing the environmental and climate impacts across the entire lifecycle of buildings, from raw material extraction to end-of-life demolition and waste management. It provides practical value for cities and regions by recommending systemic renovation, circular construction practices, and adoption of nature-based solutions to reduce carbon emissions, preserve biodiversity, and improve indoor and outdoor living conditions.


These findings are crucial for the development and implementation of Circular Systemic Solutions because they integrate circular economy principles (such as reuse, resource efficiency, and lifecycle thinking) into policy and practice for the built environment. The document’s recommendations are most useful during the design and implementation stages of Circular Systemic Solution, helping stakeholders select low-impact construction products, develop local renovation strategies, and foster community-inclusive planning.

Sectors

built environment, CEAP2 key product value chain

including bio-based economy

digital tools facilitating CE transition

e.g. re-use of public spaces and facilities in urban areas

Territories involved

large 500 000-200 000, medium 200 000-50 000, and small cities 50 000-5 000

large metropolitan area >1.5 million, metropolitan area 1.5 million-500 000

predominantly urban regions, intermediate and predominantly rural regions, refer to TERCET typology NUTS 3 region

Intra-territorial areas

e.g. commercial, residential, service, industrial