Legal instruments to ensure circularity in construction: A focus on products, procurement and the process

Abstract

Public policy objectives highlighting the circular economy transition in construction are clear and ambitious. Now, regulatory instruments and frameworks are needed to embrace and support these objectives. We argue that regulatory frameworks should be (re-)considered using three equally important perspectives to achieve circularity: circular products, procurement and the process. With this paper, we highlight three legal instruments (one for each P) that have the potential to contribute to the establishment of a more circular construction sector in Bel-gium and the Netherlands. We'll explore the introduction of an extended producer responsibility for construction and demolition waste (products & process); the use of life cycle costing as an award criterion in circular public tenders (procurement) and the need for legal frameworks that enhance cooperation between both public and private construction actors (process).