The building and infrastructure sectors show high potential for circularity given their significant resource and energy consumptions. Whereas several EU initiatives such as Renovation Wave, Level(s) and the New European Bauhaus address the construction sector, less attention has been given to sustainable and circular infrastructure. However, there is some evidence of a radical change in this sense: the InvestEU Fund shows attention to investments in sustainable infrastructure.

Nevertheless, different barriers still hinder circularity in the construction and infrastructure value chains within EU, such as the competitiveness and acceptance of recycled materials by end users. At the same time, many levers are increasingly promoting the implementation of resource efficiency and decarbonisation in both sectors: certification systems and standards; specific fiscal policies; green and circular procurement. Green Public Procurement (GPP) in particular, represents another step forward to fully realising circularity in both sectors. Presently voluntary, GPP will become mandatory in the future, which is already the case in Italy, for instance, in energy-related sectors, including construction.

ENEA, alchemia-nova, Innowo, the ECESP Leadership Group on Construction and Infrastructure invite every interested individual to the twin #EUCircularTalks on 28 and 30 September at 10:00 a.m. CEST. The events will highlight the primary market dynamics relative to materials for buildings and infrastructures and active and/or potential value chain collaborations in a circular and industrial symbiosis perspective.

• 28 September: Session 1 – Value chains collaboration in a circular/industrial symbiosis perspective will focus on connections along the Construction and Infrastructure value chain and with other value chains
• 30 September: Session 2 – Market of primary and secondary construction and infrastructure materials will demonstrate the strengths and weaknesses of using secondary materials (in substitution of primary ones) in the market.