The circular economy

The notion of the circular economy is central to sustainability, and is underpinned by a model of 'make, use, reuse' that can be contrasted with that of the linear economy ('make, use, dispose’).

This section outlines the key background and principles, before going on to examine the legal framework in the UK. It also makes reference to the EU’s circular economy strategy, with a tentative nod towards the early possible implications of Brexit.

The key challenge in creating a circular economy is waste management and, as such, this section is heavily bound up with the waste hierarchy. It also looks briefly at all-important social factors and the UN Global Compact – currently the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative.

This section is maintained by David Inman of DIEM.

Feature: The circular economy: affordability and resilience

Feature: Circular economy: role of facilities manager

Feature: Office strip-outs: recycling and the circular economy

isurv section: Waste management

RICS journal article: How far has industry got with material reuse?

RICS journal article: Updated WLCA standard widens carbon assessment scope