Circularity and Biobased Materials in Architecture and Design: Evaluation of the Status Quo and Defining Future Perspectives

The report titled "Circularity and Biobased Materials in Architecture and Design: Evaluation of the Status Quo and Defining Future Perspectives" is published by 4TU Design United, a research center focused on innovation in design. It is edited by Juliette Bekkering, Cristina Nan, and Torsten Schröder, who are prominent figures in the fields of architecture and engineering, particularly in sustainability and circular design.

The building sector is responsible for a significant share of resource consumption, energy use, CO2 emissions, and waste generation. In the Netherlands, it accounts for 50% of raw material consumption and 35% of CO2 emissions. The Dutch government aims to make the building industry completely circular by 2050, emphasizing the need for high-quality reuse and the implementation of biobased materials.

Circularity is defined as an industrial system that is restorative and regenerative by intention and design, aiming to eliminate waste through superior design of materials, products, and systems. However, only 9% of the global economy is currently circular, highlighting the long path ahead in achieving full circularity.

The report inventories ongoing research in circularity and biobased buildings, showcasing various initiatives across universities and applied sciences in the Netherlands. It emphasizes the importance of collaboration between academia, industry, and government to push the boundaries of innovation in sustainable building practices.

The research identifies critical knowledge gaps in the understanding and implementation of circularity. It points out the need for new policies, circular business models, and methods to measure the impact of circularity in design. Innovative approaches are already being developed, such as the use of biobased materials like mycelium and hemp, and the design of buildings as material banks for future reuse.

Several case studies are highlighted, including:

These projects exemplify how circular principles can be successfully implemented in real-world scenarios, promoting sustainability and innovation.

The report features insights from various experts in the field who highlight challenges such as the need for better certification processes for new biobased materials and the necessity of long-term investments in circular practices. The collaborative nature of these projects is critical for overcoming existing barriers.

The future agenda emphasizes the need for cross-disciplinary collaborations and the development of a robust infrastructure for research and practice in circularity. It also calls for increased visibility and accessibility of circular designs and materials to foster a broader acceptance within the industry.

In summary, this report serves as a comprehensive evaluation of the current state and future perspectives of circularity and biobased materials in architecture and design, providing valuable insights for stakeholders across Europe interested in sustainable housing solutions.