Circular Economy in Construction: Strategies and Innovations for the Decarbonization of the Building Sector

The construction sector is responsible for approximately 40% of Europe's energy consumption and 36% of energy-related greenhouse gas emissions, with a significant impact largely driven by the embodied energy in materials and related building processes. To effectively tackle this challenge, the sector must adopt advanced solutions based on the principles of the circular economy, addressing all phases of a building's life cycle, from initial design to end-of-life material management.

A particular focus will be given to operational and technological solutions for minimizing embodied emissions in materials through approaches such as modular design, advanced prefabrication, design for disassembly, and the use of innovative bio-based or recycled materials. The event will provide a concrete opportunity to share and analyze best practices and the latest developments in alignment with key European directives and global decarbonization goals for the construction sector.

Session Chairs

Gian Marco Revel, Università Politecnica delle Marche
Marco Caffi, Green Buildign Council Italia

Programme

10.30 Introduction by the Chairs

10.40 The evolution of circular economy policies for the construction sector
Josefina Lindblom, Senior Policy Officer - DG Environment EU Commission (TBC)

11.00 Approaches and tools for circular building design
Paolo Cresci, Arup Italia

11.15 The vision of the builders
Valentina Mingo, ANCE

11.30 The role of European cities in the circular transition - the Prato Circular City case
Valerio Barberis - Barberis & partners
Councillor for Urban Planning, Environment, Circular Economy of the Municipality of Prato (2014-2024)

11.45 Innovation of building materials for the circularity of the built environment
Alessandro Morbi, Heidelberg Materials Italia

12.05 From stainless steel slag to TapoEKO certified products: processes, performance, and industrial applications
Emanuela Gubbiotti, Tapojarvi Italia

12.15 Designing and constructing tomorrow's buildings in wood and steel
Marco Maiocchi, Wolf System Italia

12.25 Discussion and closure by the Chairs