Rethinking Sustainability Development Goals
The term “Sustainable Development Goals” (SDGs) often feels inadequate. Given the urgency of the climate crisis, these goals should be seen as essential requirements, not just aspirational targets. As influencers within the built environment, our role is crucial in shaping a world that meets these requirements, creating a future that is both viable and sustainable. To achieve this, we must challenge the very foundations of our industry—how we build, what we build, and why we build.
Understanding the global and local political landscapes is key to delivering on these goals. It is not enough to focus solely on the technical aspects of construction; we must also lead through education and advocacy, pushing for systemic change. Avoiding “carbon tunnel vision”—where carbon reduction becomes the sole focus—is vital. A holistic approach that incorporates sustainability, social good, and economic viability will allow us to truly fulfill the promise of the SDGs.
Understanding Circularity
Circularity represents a shift away from the traditional linear model of production, where materials are taken, used, and then discarded. Instead, a circular economy focuses on minimising waste and maximising resource efficiency. This approach can be illustrated by something as simple as a jam jar. After its primary use, the jar has three potential fates: it can be thrown away, recycled, or reused. While recycling is better than disposal, it still requires energy—consider the high energy cost of recycling aluminum. Reusing the jar, however, retains its value without additional energy input.
The principles of a circular economy are straightforward yet transformative:
- Design Out Waste and Pollution: Create systems and products that minimise waste from the outset.
- Keep Products and Materials in Use: Extend the lifecycle of products through reuse, repair, and refurbishment.
- Regenerate Natural Systems: Ensure that our processes contribute positively to the environment, rather than depleting it.
The Importance of Circularity
Circularity is more than a trend; it’s a necessary evolution in how we approach construction and the broader built environment. As the global population continues to grow, our current “take-make-dispose” model is unsustainable. By 2050, waste output is expected to increase by 70%, requiring resources equivalent to three planet Earths to maintain our current practices. Furthermore, the demand for new buildings is staggering—by 2100, the rate of construction will triple, leading to a predicted rise in global temperatures by 2.1 – 2.4°C above pre-industrial levels.
In contrast, a circular economy offers a sustainable solution. It has moved from a theoretical framework to actionable strategies that help decarbonise assets, programs, and entire industries. Currently, buildings account for 37% of global greenhouse gas emissions, and about 95% of the value of construction materials is lost during demolition. With the world being only 8.6% circular, there is immense potential to improve how we manage resources in the built environment.
Rethinking Building Fashion
Just as the fast fashion industry has led to wasteful practices in clothing, a similar mindset has permeated the built environment. Society often chases trends in architecture and construction, leading to a cycle of building, demolishing, and rebuilding. Iconic buildings, like Newcastle’s Philip Robinson Library, serve as reminders of the value in design that stands the test of time.
As engineers, we must influence society to move away from this throwaway culture. The way we design buildings is crucial—modern offices, for instance, are often difficult to repurpose for residential use, leading to inefficiency and waste. Instead, we should focus on creating flexible, adaptable spaces that can serve multiple purposes over their lifetimes.
Our role goes beyond calculations and blueprints; we must be advocates for a new mindset where sustainability is not just an option but a standard. This means challenging the preference for virgin materials and embracing the unknowns that come with using recycled and reclaimed resources. By doing so, we can ensure that the built environment contributes positively to a sustainable future, rather than detracting from it.
