Michael Brunn

Europe's cities are driving the transition to a circular economy. But there is still a clear gap between am-bitious goals and reality.

Technically, there are many prerequisites for a European circular economy. Regulation, demand and infrastructure are slowing down the plan to scale these processes.

The reuse of concrete components is considered one of the most effective levers for reducing CO₂ emissions in the construction industry. But how can it be ensured that dismantled elements remain durable and load-bearing even in a second phase of life?

The environmental debate has shifted fundamentally in recent years.

Technical solutions for circular public procurement are widely available in Europe. However, their systematic application falls short of the possibilities.

Every year, trillions of cigarette butts are carelessly disposed of worldwide. This results in an enormous plastic stream with toxic pollution that hardly anyone notices.

Technical solutions for a more efficient circular economy are already well developed in many areas. However, regulatory fragmentation and a lack of economic incentives make their widespread application difficult.

The construction sector is one of the world's largest consumers of raw materials and at the same time among the most substantial sources of greenhouse gas emissions.

Nitrogen and phosphorus losses are among Europe's most pressing environmental problems.

Recycling is considered a major component of the circular economy concept. At the same time, how-ever, the actual recycling rates of many packaging streams fall short of political and social expecta-tions.