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Knowledge category: Papers and reports

Jobs and skills to drive a circular built environment

Updated on 26.06.2023

This report dives into the jobs and skills needed for four circular strategies in the built environment: smart material management; product-as-a-service; bio-based materials; and offsite, modular construction. These strategies foster cross-sectorial collaborations, can potentially open up new markets, facilitate knowledge sharing and creation of ecosystems and platforms.

Author: Circle Economy
Year of publication: 2023

More information

The report provides two practical levers to drive circular construction - namely education/training and policy and procurement. This report will be useful for cities and regions to learn what jobs and skills are required to enable and accelerate circular built environment in line with proposed strategies. It will give policymakers and construction industry professionals tips on how to anticipate and plan for labour market shifts linked to the circular transition.

Relevance for Circular Systemic Solutions

A Circular Systemic Solution focused on circular built environment and construction can be designed to incorporate one or more of these strategies depending on specific objectives of the territory. For example, a smart material management and product-as-a-service business model can help preserve and future-proof the stocks held in existing buildings. Designing and building with bio-based materials as well as designing for disassembly and alternative uses can support with ensuring that new building projects meet the needs of communities for housing and that infrastructure does not jeopardise the planet. However, a successful implementation of these strategies requires specific knowledge and skills.

Sectors

built environment, CEAP2 key product value chain

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