The building and construction sector is a major resource user and waste generator, responsible for significant greenhouse gas emissions. The EU aims to address this through a sustainable built environment strategy, emphasizing material efficiency and circular principles, expected in 2024.

The New European Bauhaus initiative complements this by inspiring projects reconnecting with nature and promoting circular ecosystems, fostering sustainability and quality of life.

This workshop will explore local and regional policies and strategies towards a more sustainable built environment with a particular focus on sustainable materials and the promotion of circularity in construction.  

The first session will focus on ‘Biobased materials for construction’ such as wood, clay and hemp and highlight the frontrunner role of public authorities as purchaser and initiator of sustainable construction programmes.  

The second session will emphasise ‘Circularity in construction’ and showcase good practices for dealing with construction and demolition waste.