paperChain D02.4 - "Technological and non-technological barriers and constraints"

The construction sector is the largest consumer of raw materials in the EU; construction and demolition activities also account for about 33% of waste generated annually (EEA 2010). A large proportion of different waste streams has the potential to be reused or recycled within the construction sector contributing to saving natural resources and energy, while reducing the carbon footprint. The purpose of the circular economy is to replace the existing systems based on the linear economy “take, make, waste” with closed systems that reuse and conserve energy. Circular economy aims at limiting the extraction of raw materials and the production of waste by a more effective use of materials enables creating a more sustainable process and added value, by cost savings and by developing new markets or growing existing ones.