Approach of the Circular Economy in the Field of Precast Elements and Buildings. Limits, Trends, and Perspective

Introduction

The field of construction due to materials production and buildings, annually consumes a large amount of natural resources and generates significant greenhouse gases emissions (IEA, 2019) contributing to resource depletion, environmental pollution, global warming and ecological disasters. In response to the current issues of human progress, a set of key policy initiatives have been taken, outlining strategies and measures for energy efficiency and decarbonisation in line with the sustainable development targets (UN, 2015; European Commission, 2019). Extending the annual renovation rate (European Parliament, 2018), using clean energy and adopting the circular economy model in all priority areas have now become necessary tools to achieve the climate neutrality (European Commission, 2018; European Commission, 2019; European Commission, 2020), and to sustain the growth of economy and peoples well-being improvement. It becomes an imperative to rethink the concept on which the building design was performed so far. The implementation of ecological and social principles in addition to the conventional ones considered usually in the design of buildings, are imperative elements that can no longer be neglected. “Outdated” thinking where the cost of construction was one of the most relevant issues in detriment of the environment quality, accessibility, affordability, equity, human needs, safety and local security or urban planning aspects, must be gradually changed having in mind the global context and current priorities. Our responsibility become more complex as humanity evolves and economy grows. Each person has the responsibility to get involved but also the resource to act.

The building industry must make a constant effort to adapt the technology to the new challenges in which sustainability and competitiveness are maintained (UN, 2015; European Commission, 2018; European Commission, 2019; European Commission, 2020), and where the consumer is part of this process. Materials, structural systems and construction elements need to be optimized for an easily disassembling to encourage reuse or recycle in the same or in other areas thus preserving its economic value (Ellen MacArthur Foundation, 2013; European Commission, 2014; European Commission, 2015; European Commission, 2019; European Commission, 2020), limiting the disposal of waste and avoiding the depletion of natural resources.