The circular revolution and why I joined the construction industry

Things have to change. If we are to stand a chance to reach the Paris Agreement’s 1.5 degree target, the remaining global carbon budget until 2030 is 250 billion tonnes CO2e. This year alone we are on course to emit about 40 billion tonnes. The building sector accounts for over a third of global CO2e emissions. Join me on an extraordinary path as we redefine norms, commit to drive sustainable change, and collaborate to advance circular approaches in this sector. Together, we can create a more resilient, resource-efficient, and responsible construction industry for future generations – while enabling dynamic, flexible cities and societies in the transition.

Why the need for a shift of norms in the building sector is high

The construction and real estate industry crucially needs to mitigate environmental impact and combat climate change. Sustainable construction promotes long-term cost savings and create livable cities in constant development. Some alarming facts:

• 1/3 or more emissions relates to the buildings sector: even reaching 37% in 2021 according to Global Status Report for Buildings and Construction 2022 from UNEP.
• Global floor area will increase by around 20% until 2030 – a pace that has been compared to ”adding the equivalent of Paris to the planet every week”.
• 80% of the buildings that will be around in 2050 have already been built. They will all need to be refurbished, repurposed and decarbonised.
• Demographic, social and behavioral dynamics mean that cities and communities are ever-changing. This clashes with a sector focused on building to last with materials that drive high emissions.

Thinking outside the box will be key in finding energy-efficient designs, switching to renewable materials, and applying circular principles on a traditionally static industry. The scope of the challenge, alongside the massive opportunities for change, are the main reasons I joined this industry. I joined Adapteo Group in particular for the ambition to build adaptable societies, delivering on both business logic and significantly driving sustainable change by challenging, but most of all complementing, a traditional industry with a dynamic and agile alternative. Driving transformation towards a circular economy in the building sector will be my main focus in the coming years. Making circular the new norm is utterly essential – and urgent - if we are to stand a chance of mitigating the climate crisis. I firmly believe that we are uniquely positioned to lead the way.

This is my most complex challenge yet. I’ve been leading sustainability efforts at global companies including Tetra Pak, Elis, AFRY (then ?F) and OKQ8. On the sustainability arena, I’ve initiated a norm shift group for circular economy, including some of Sweden’s most prominent experts from business, academia and public sector. The building sector offers great opportunities to make a lasting impact. I am convinced that we can deliver high values to customers and communities while reducing the footprint and breaking new ground for the circular economy. My ambition for Adapteo is to inspire individuals, organizations, and policymakers to recognize the absolute necessity of flexibility and adaptability in the pursuit of the sustainable development goals. We want to pave the way for a more sustainable sector, showcase tangible examples, and enable the built environment to evolve and decarbonise by covering temporary needs. Join in and partner up as we set even higher targets and tackle them together through collaboration, innovation, and taking action. Now is the time.