Smarter construction with circular economy tools

Problem

The construction industry uses a lot of natural resources, and a lot of waste is also generated. For example, surplus materials from industrial companies could be used much more efficiently in the construction of infrastructure. Currently, a lot of surplus earth material is transported to landfills instead of putting it to good use. This not only wastes usable raw materials but transporting the materials also produces carbon dioxide emissions.

Instead of using virgin earth or aggregate materials, we should make more efficient use of the raw materials already in use – this would also reduce unnecessary transport. By 2020, 70 per cent of construction waste within the EU must be recycled.

Solution: smarter construction with circular economy tools

Cireco Finland is developing infrastructure construction and regional development in accordance with circular economy principles by providing versatile project management services to companies and the public sector. In addition, the company aims to introduce into the sector joint public and private sector projects focusing on construction that complies with the circular economy.

With its international partner companies, Cireco Finland can import new kinds of circular economy tools to the Finnish market for use on construction sites and in project management. For example, the Madaster information system includes comprehensive data on different materials, which facilitates the implementation of construction projects in accordance with circular economy principles. With the help of circular economy solutions, the construction industry can make more efficient use of resources and thus significantly reduce the environmental impacts of construction.

Cireco Finland’s revenue logic and benefits

In infrastructure construction, the turnover of companies largely comes from selling project management services and being the main contractor on projects. In addition, Cireco implements joint public-private sector projects in accordance with an “alliance model”. Consulting and training of companies and public-sector operators involved in construction and regional development also forms a part of Cireco Finland’s revenue logic.

Benefits to customers and end users

In the long run, developing infrastructure sites in the direction of a circular economy is more cost-efficient from the customers’ perspective: for example, the use of surplus earth materials in earthwork projects saves costs. Furthermore, the brand benefits from responsible operations are significant for both public and private customers. The construction sector also needs to use circular economy operating models in order to achieve its climate targets.