_Circular

In a thriving building industry, we have a dirty secret.

Our construction industry is a huge consumer of raw materials and natural resources, globally generating nearly 40% of the world’s carbon emissions according to the World Green Building Council. That towers over the agriculture and aviation sectors.

We need to fundamentally change how we source and use our materials, focusing on their entire lifecycle to produce less waste, reuse and recycle more, divert materials wherever possible and send to landfill only as a last resort.

We need everyone to do something, even if it’s imperfect.

The key factors of circularity are:

1.) Design out waste and pollution / Utilising specific methods of design to reduce or (ideally) eliminate waste and the environmental impact of the materials we use.

2.) Keep products and materials in use / Re-use, recycle, repurpose. These principles can be applied to nearly everything used in building or renovating a new space, be it raw materials, fittings or furniture.

3.) Regenerate natural systems / Going beyond protecting the natural environment, by creating a closed loop system that actively feeds natural resources back into the planet.

It’s a crucial time that we can all take part in. Whether we’re updating our interiors, renovating, or clearing a site for a new build. We need to design out waste, keep our buildings and furnishings in use where possible, regenerate our natural resources and protect our unique biodiversity.

And it’s not about doing everything perfectly, rather it’s about making practical + conscious decisions to do what makes sense for your location, site + budget.

It feels good, to do good.

We can’t undo the damage that we have caused unless we take a circular design stance on our buildings. Good news though, the Green Building industry is on the rise - with more transparency, creative solutions and new products developed here in NZ.

And with the right people in your team, it’s a problem shared. Creative solutions ensue, ultimately having a valuable impact on your space and our space.

Consider applying these strategies:

• Deconstruct instead of Demolition - ensuring minimal materials go to landfill

• Implement a building waste minimisation plan

• Use ‘smart materials’

• Source deconstructed and reclaimed materials (i.e reclaimed hardwood, bricks, cladding)

• Design to standard sheet size to minimise waste

• Design for ease of refurbishment + upgrade

• Design and build for deconstruction (i.e modular components + minimal glues)

• Increase biodiversity of your land by cultivation of gardens, composting and bee-friendly planting