Circular Construction Economy Transition Team enters new phase

This spring, the Circular Construction Economy Transition Team (CBE) entered a new phase. In the first five years, the so-called "base camp" has been established. Now new challenges follow. Vincent Gruis, chairman of the transition team, explains The Next Step. The ultimate goal? By 2050, the Netherlands must build circularly.

First, a brief explanation of the CBE. The transition agenda, which grew out of the Raw Materials Agreement, focuses on the large consumers in the industry, including the construction industry, and aims to increase and even fully circular construction in the Netherlands. Not only within residential construction, but also within non-residential construction and GWW. Gruis emphasizes that achieving circularity is not a goal but a strategy to build in a more environmentally friendly way. "Now that the base camp is ready, we can move forward. We have tools, resources and conditions."

Importantly, the central government is embracing circular construction even more. "In the past five years, for example, good beginnings have been formulated for all kinds of guidelines," Gruis says. "These include guidelines for high-quality reuse: which processes are needed for this? But we are also in favor of introducing a materials passport. What data do you need to define materials properly? There are also guidelines for circular design. Very simple: how do you put up a building that is good for its surroundings and the environment not only now, but also in the future?" However, the guidelines currently do not yet have the status for use in specifications, Gruis says. "No, I don't mean by that that guidelines should become obligations. I'm aiming more for general acceptance. Then they will naturally gain the status that those guidelines become the standard. Of course we advise. For example, we examine what changes should be set in motion so that reused and biobased environmentally friendly materials get a better and fair chance in the economy."

Gruis acknowledges that since the new administration took office, a different wind has begun to blow. "There is more skepticism about climate measures. The intended acceleration of the transition may therefore lose some momentum. We are also following Europe. There, circularity is high on the agenda, many good EU directives are in preparation. So for us the challenge is to find out how we can most easily adopt those directives and rules."

But beyond the political - now somewhat right-wing - dilemma, Gruis also simply has faith in the market. "It's up to the industry. It knows that raw materials are scarce. So, it is already naturally looking for alternatives." But that there seems to be some more backlash against all kinds of "measures" to prevent a "possible environmental disaster" in the future is a fact. "Fortunately, we know - and surely there is consensus on this - that building causes environmental damage. And yes, I know that the Netherlands is only a small postage stamp on the world map. The world really won't be saved either if we do it all right, but ultimately you can also make your move locally. Furthermore, there is a great moral responsibility. And again, I believe in industry and businesses. They are really going to solve their coming resource scarcity problem by themselves."

And what each company can do for itself? "Start small," Gruis concludes. "Everyone can take small steps to still gain a bit of circularity. Of course I know it's well known that construction is stuck in established structures but ... you can also just try to break those structures. At least, if you want us to build circularly by 2050."