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Blog/Why do we need more circularity in the building industry?
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Why do we need more circularity in the building industry?

All over the world, the building industry is an important part of the global economy. At the same time, it also considerably contributes to global warming. Buildings and construction are responsible for 36% of the global final energy use and 39% of energy-related carbon emissions.

The building industry consumes one third of all resources and creates one third of the waste in developed countries, and there is no end to this trend: until the year 2030, three billion new middle-class consumers will be part of the global society. They need space to work and live in. In the next 15 years, we will see an additional 900 billion square feet of building stock arise. These developments are reason enough for Mosa to raise awareness for circularity in the building industry.

Time for a change

We believe its high time for a change. If you look at these figures from the perspective of the Paris Agreement on global warming, it is easy to conclude that the building industry has a major impact here. What could an answer look like? Circular construction can develop into the key element of a sustainable building industry. Circular construction means development, use and re-use of buildings, areas and infrastructure without depletion of natural resources, pollution of the environment and damaging ecosystems. The idea is to construct, build, use and re-use buildings in a way that is economically responsible and contributes to the well-being of humans and animals – today and tomorrow. Mosa has been dealing with those questions for a long time. Sustainability is key to all our activities.

2030 challenge

Surely, this is nothing you can reach by just pushing a button, and is the call for a systemic change in the industry. Many initiatives are dealing with the issue. As early as 2006, the Architecture 2030 initiative in the USA started the “2030 Challenge”, asking the global architecture and building community to strive for a common, ambitious goal: Create fully carbon neutral new buildings, developments and major renovations by 2030.

The challenge has been adopted by 70% of the top 20 architecture, engineering and planning firms in the US. In the EU, the EC has agreed on ambitious energy and climate targets aiming at a carbon-neutral Europe by 2050.

In addition, more and more building owners are getting more sensitive to environmental issues around their buildings. They are not only asking for ecologically friendly heating systems, but also ask for a responsible handling of resources, creating a healthy environment to live and work in.

The Cradle to cradle principles are entering the minds of companies in all industries. At Mosa, we strongly believe in Cradle to Cradle as an integral part of our company policies. For us, it means more than just manufacturing environmentally friendly products. It is part of our philosophy and our contribution to making circularity in the building industry come to life.

If you want to learn more about Mosa’s approach to circularity in the building industry, watch our Circular Construction webinar here.

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