Circular Building label

Working towards recognition and appreciation of circular buildings

Our project aimed to develop and test a new label: "Circular Building". We wanted to launch this label in the building sector with the appeal, communication and promotional activities around the awarding of the first labels.

Initially, we analysed existing instruments to measure 'sustainability of buildings'. We also drew up a list of instruments that have been developed or are currently being developed to measure the 'circularity of buildings': Level(s), GRO, TOTEM, BREEAM (NL and UK), DGNB, HQE, LEED, BAMB, Circularity Indicator, Cenergie-tool, ...

After this, we started working on the new tool. It assesses buildings on 2 levels:
- quantitative, with attention to future-oriented design and construction, environmental impact, urban mining and transition,
- qualitative, with attention to scenario thinking and vision and to the pioneering role played by the building.

This approach fits in well with the current state of affairs in practice and knowledge, and supplements the measurable, quantitative part with more process-oriented indicators and evaluation. A jury can then, for example, put more or less emphasis on certain circular concepts, or identify different 'laureates' or 'pioneers' for the various components of 'a circular building' and give them extra recognition as an exemplary project through an 'Award'.

The development of a sustainable and appropriate business model was crucial but proved more complex than expected. It took much more time than anticipated. The final phase of the project (launch and presentation of the 'Circular Building' label) has therefore been postponed.