As highlighted in the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s Building Prosperity report, a circular economycircular economyA systems solution framework that tackles global challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, waste, and pollution. It is based on three principles, driven by design: eliminate waste and pollution, circulate products and materials (at their highest value), and regenerate nature. for the built environment sector can unlock huge economic opportunities, while tackling climate change and other global challenges.
This report, produced by Arup and supported by the Foundation — Unlocking value in buildings: developing the business case for building circular — further demonstrates that circular economy strategies can deliver significant financial value.
It makes a compelling business case, showcasing how built environment players — particularly building owners and developers — can create robust, long-term value by embracing circular economy principles and practices.
The report highlights five actionable, financially-grounded strategies, drawn from the Circular Buildings Toolkit, each delivering distinct and tangible forms of value:
Circular fit-out refurbishment
Timber construction
Decarbonisation of existing building stock
Circular repositioning
Modular building systems
This report is not just a financial analysis, but a call to action. It invites us to reimagine the way we design, construct, and use our built environment. By embracing circular principles, we have the opportunity to create spaces that not only make better use of resources, but are more valuable, adaptable, and aligned with the needs of both people and the planet.
Nick Jeffries, Senior Expert, Ellen MacArthur Foundation
