[Workshop] Sustainable Life Cycle of buildings – a holistic approach to deliver sustainable buildings and reduce waste

The built environment has a significant impact on many sectors of the economy and is one of the most resource-consuming sectors in the EU, accounting for approximately half of all extracted materials, half of the total energy consumption, and one-third of water consumption. In the EU, the focus is shifting from policies regarding energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions during the operational phase, to a lifecycle assessment of the environmental impact of the buildings and limiting the embodied greenhouse gas emissions. Construction and demolition waste accounts for more than a third of all waste generated in the EU.

Greenhouse gas emissions from material extraction, manufacturing of construction products, construction, and renovation of buildings are estimated at 5-12% of total national GHG emissions. Resource efficiency in buildings aims to reduce resource use and limit buildings’ environmental impact throughout their lifecycle – from material extraction used in the construction phase, to resource use during occupancy and maintenance, material recovery at demolition. The new circular economy action plan (CEAP) published by the European Commission in March 2020 is one of the pillars of the European Green Deal and aims to support the transition to a circular economy, a reduction of the pressure on natural resources, and an increase of sustainable growth and jobs.

During the third workshop of the EU-Russia exchange, representatives of local authorities, resource efficiency experts, companies, and industry associations active in circular construction will share their experience and present their views on circularity, real-life projects, and industry-led initiatives supporting the transition towards a sustainable built environment in Russia and the EU.

REGISTRATION IS OPEN HERE.