to the wellbeing of people and the biosphere.

design, planning, construction, use & operation,

Here and there, now and later. Technical elements and deconstruction. These phases are planned and
are demountable and reusable, and biological executed with minimum environmental or social
elements can also be brought back into the impact, optimise high-value material use, are adaptive
biological cycle. and future-proof.

The definition is in line with the EMF’s definition

of circularity, in that the preservation of value of
buildings and their components is ensured by
optimising use and reuse cycles with minimal use of
virgin resources. In addition, it stresses the importance
of both the technical and biological cycles. In line
with Gladek’s broader definition, it addresses human
needs and a healthy biosphere within the planetary
boundaries.

It is important to note that a systems perspective

is needed to achieve circularity at the building
level. Smart integration into the surrounding (built)
environment is key to maximising positive impacts, for
instance by making sure that (reused) materials are
sourced locally to minimise transport, or by efficiently
combining renewable energy sources like geothermal
heating. Indeed:

During the use-phase impacts are primarily net-

positive, and the building contributes to circular
flows (of water, energy, and consumer goods) at
the level of the building and its surroundings.

Within the circular built environment, a circular

building should take into account its location in the
surrounding area and district, and its particular spatial
characteristics (see Box 2 for more information on
the importance of an integrated approach). A circular
building is not an indivisible entity, it consists of
different layers that can be distinguished as according
to the 6S framework developed by Stewart Brand:
site, structure, skin, space plan, services and stuff
(furnishing & fittings), that are all part of a circular
system of products, components and materials.

Circular buildings ideally contribute to a sustainable

built environment in all lifecycle phases: conception,

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