Details
- Publication date
- Language
- GBR
- Authors
- A. Jenet, M. Lamperti Tornaghi, G. Tsionis, A. Sejersen, P. Moseley, A. De le Fuente Nuno, M. Wrobel, G. Hobbs, K. Jensen Guldager, C. Chevauche, M. H. Levy, P. Osset, S. Denton, L. Ottosen, J. Lynch, M. Lewis, M. Fuchs, L. Mian, P. Maurer, F. Taucer
- Publication type
- JRC report
Abstract
CEN and CENELEC, together with the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC), carry out an annual ‘foresight on standardization’ initiative named Putting-Science-Into-Standards (PSIS). Over the last ten years, the PSIS workshops have addressed a wide range of topics and brought along innovation in multiple standardisation areas. These workshops enable scientists and technicians to meet policymakers and standard setters to pave the way towards new standards.
This JRC report refers to the 2023 PSIS workshop, focusing on Circular technologies for construction. It was organised with the support of DG GROW, the New European Bauhaus. The uptake of circular economy in the construction sector is influenced by policies scattered in areas ranging from the Waste Framework Directive to the Construction Products Regulation and product standards, with a consequent need for effective coordination.
During the workshop, it was underlined that Eurocodes are the largest standardisation programme of its kind and are currently being updated, to incorporate considerations on sustainability and climate: "The update of the Eurocodes is an exercise of trying to adapt the design phase of structures to help advance the circular economy, while working with other standards as a system and avoiding overlaps."
Original publication
This report emphasizes the importance of standardisation in promoting circular construction and the circular economy. It discusses the need for future standardisation and pre-normative research for circular construction in terminology, metrology, performance characterisation, compatibility and operability assessments. The report identifies several opportunities for synergies, such as collaboration between the New European Bauhaus and analysis the gap analysis carried out by CEN/TC350 on circularity in the construction sector, emphasising of overcoming cradle-to-grave construction frameworks. Strategies to bridge these gaps include enhancing standardisation, collaboration, and innovation. Four strategic areas could benefit from standardisation: a) frameworks and indicators to measure circularity, b) quality assurance of reused and recycled material, end-of-waste criteria, c) design for circularity, adaptability and disassembly, and d) building information. The report also highlights the need for clear objectives, focused standards, cost-effectiveness, common future scenarios, resource indicators, and practical implementation aspects to advance circularity in the construction industry. The recommendations provided aim to guide future standardisation activities, aligning with circular principles to drive industry competitiveness and environmental stewardship. Taking first steps towards a standardisation roadmap, the study highlights specific areas that CEN/TC 350 may consider in their future work programme and suggests high priority topics based on discussions with stakeholders.