How the circular economy tackles biodiversity loss: Sector deep dive on the Built Environment

Published on December 14, 2022

The built environment currently operates under a take-make-waste model that puts significant pressure on biodiversity. A circular economy for the built environment offers a comprehensive system-level approach to transform the way we source materials, build infrastructure, and use assets.

By planning for compact and biodiverse urban environments that optimise space, the sector can leave room for nature to thrive within and beyond urban areas. Keeping buildings and materials in use reduces the need for new construction and material extraction, thereby limiting the associated negative impacts on biodiversity. Where new materials are needed, switching to renewable materials produced regeneratively can help the sector actively rebuild biodiversity and safeguard the health of ecosystems.