Circularity in construction

Circularity is increasingly becoming a hot topic in both the construction and utility sector and in ground, road and hydraulic engineering. On the one hand, there is encouragement from governments, on the other, more and more clients are also making demands when it comes to sustainability. At an international level, too, the Sustainable Development Goals of the US are aimed at circularity in construction.

The Netherlands: fully circular in 2050

In the Netherlands, the construction sector is one of the five priorities within the government program 'The Netherlands circular in 2050'. In this context, the construction sector has to achieve by 2050 that objects can be built, (re) used, maintained and dismantled in a sustainable manner. To implement this, there is the ‘Transitieagenda Circulaire Bouweconomie’ (Circular Construction Economy Transition Agenda).

In addition, there are guidelines that companies in the construction sector can adhere to in order to guarantee their circular strategies and to provide clarity in the circularity of products, projects or construction works. For example, from 2021 onwards, the maximum environmental performance of a newly constructed building (Dutch: Milieuprestatie Gebouwen (MPG)) will be 0.8 and the Milieukostenindicator (Environmental Cost Indicator) will apply to the soil, road and hydraulic engineering sector.

In quotations and tenders, clients in the construction sector are increasingly asking for independent calculations that show the sustainability aspects of a building. Certification by an independent party such as Kiwa helps you to ensure that these calculations and statements have been drawn up correctly. You can be certified by Kiwa on the following schemes. If you have any questions about this or if you want to know whether we can help you in another way, please feel free to contact us!