The government has commissioned the National Board of Housing, Building and Planning (Boverket) to develop efforts to transition to a circular economy in the construction and real estate sector, contributing to Sweden’s environmental and climate goals.
A circular economy is the direct opposite of a linear one. Instead of manufacturing, buying, and discarding items, a circular economy utilizes everything manufactured for as long as possible. When items are used up, as much as possible is reused and recycled over and over again.
“It fits us like a glove, as we already have the products for the circular buildings of the future, since our entire business concept is based on it,” says Joakim Jönsson, Key Account Manager at iCell, which produces and supplies climate-smart cellulose insulation, a natural organic material. It results in a very low climate footprint and is made from recycled material, making it a very good choice for the environment.
Boverket shall now:
• Map and analyze how reuse, recycling, and preparation for reuse and material recycling of existing building materials, building components, and structures function today.
• Map and analyze what can promote building structures, building components, and building materials to be designed and designed from the outset to be durable and easy to repair, upgrade, disassemble, and reuse. This includes analyzing how demolition of existing structures can be avoided and how they can be reused in their entirety, as well as analyzing what this means for the choice of different building materials, such as plastic.
• Propose measures to promote circular construction and circular management, which includes non-toxic material cycles, and, if necessary, submit necessary draft legislation.
• Map and analyze the supply of and demand for building materials that are considered critical for material supply in the construction sector. Investigate how digitalization can facilitate the transition to a circular economy in the construction sector and submit proposals for measures that contribute to development in the area.
• Develop indicators to monitor the development of a circular economy in the construction sector.
• Disseminate information and guide authorities and stakeholders on the transition to a circular economy in the construction sector.
“Cellulose insulation is an excellent example of a sustainable and circular material.” It is effective, has a low climate footprint, and can be recycled. We are proud to be able to offer a sustainable alternative for our customers who want to build the buildings of the future, says Joakim Jönsson.
Boverket must report its assignment to the Government Offices (Ministry of Finance) by December 20, 2024, at the latest.
More information see:
https://www.boverket.se/sv/om-boverket/boverkets-uppdrag/aktuella-uppdrag/uppdrag-att-utveckla-arbetet-med-omstallningen-till-en-cirkular-ekonomi-i-byggsektorn/
