Circularity is the opportunity of our time.

Our world is growing with GDP at 94 trillion dollars. On this trajectory we are set to consume the resources of more than two planets by 2040.

There’s no question, we need to shift gears: from a linear “take-make-waste economy”, to a circular “reduce-reuse-recycle” one.

I strongly believe circularity is the opportunity of our time: It is socially-inclusive, creating new jobs. Every 10,000 tons of waste that is recycled can create more than 100 jobs, and the repairing and leasing economy even more. It is climate-friendly: recycling 80% of materials would reduce 50 billion tonnes of CO2 emissions by 2040. And it’s positive for nature: replacing virgin materials with recycled ones preserves biodiversity.

Cities are the catalyst

Cities are on the frontlines of leading the shift from a linear to a circular economy because they are growing.

We expect 70% of the world population to be living in cities by 2050, adding 2.5 billion people.

The only way cities can grow while staying within our planet’s boundaries is by becoming more circular. Cities have the critical mass to make a difference and have broad access to materials for recycling.

Circular Cities are many things - they are powered with renewable energy, connected by green mobility, with smart buildings and nature inside…

To understand better their fabric, we are partnering with Bloomberg Media to launch the world’s first “Circular Cities Barometer”, to identify and celebrate best practices around the world. The Barometer’s first findings will be unveiled at the Bloomberg Green Summit in April 2022.

So what does that mean for construction?

With our world building the equivalent of New York City every month, circular construction is our future.?

My vision is to build more new from the old with recycled materials in every new building.

This year we recycled over 50 million tons of materials across our business and are on our way to double this rate to 100 million tons by 2030 as part of our net zero roadmap?.?

Our circular construction model is based on three key levers:

• Recycling materials with a focus on urban mining to build more new buildings from old ones.?
• Reducing buildings’ material use and footprint by empowering smart design
• Repairing and renovating buildings to make them last longer

Circular Construction is happening today.

We can scale it up faster by partnering across our value chain. We all have a role to play:?

• Public authorities can evolve building norms to make material recycling mandatory;
• Building owners can put their procurement to work to specify more recycled materials;?
• Companies can keep on innovating to develop new technologies.?

My call to action today is to join us to make circular construction happen faster.?

It strengthens local economies and creates new local jobs in a way that is climate friendly and nature-positive.?

That’s why for me, it's the business opportunity of our time! What’s your view?