Fostering the Integration of Circular Economy Aspects into the Construction and Real Estate Industry

Abstract

The conscious use of natural resources has always been a key concern of the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB) since its foundation in 2007. In order to further drive forward this topic and to foster a more circular resource use within the construction and real estate industry, the DGNB has integrated circular economy bonuses into the current version 2018 of the DGNB System, providing a positive impact on the overall certification outcome. The DGNB System is thus the first of its kind to make circular economy principles an assessable and measurable aspect of buildings. The circular economy bonuses range from the reduction of the material input and the avoidance of waste through the reuse and recycling of building components up to the implementation of sharing models leading to an increased usage intensity of the buildings. In close cooperation with its members, the DGNB has developed a guideline on the integration of circular economy aspects into the construction and real estate industry. The guideline published in January 2019provides examples of putting these aspects into practice and encourages planners to integrate innovative and circular building solutions into the planning of sustainable buildings.