At 4 million t CO₂e

the construction industry is one of the most emissions-intensive sectors of the economy

50%

of global CO₂-emissions stem directly or indirectly from raw materials extraction and processing

4,8 Gt CO₂e

The automotive industry accounts for 4.8 Gt CO₂e of global greenhouse gases

55%

of all waste generated is produced by the construction industry

85%

Steel, cement, aluminium, and plastics account for 85% of the CO2 footprint of materials in buildings and private automobiles in the EU

Circular Economy

In a circular economy, resources are used efficiently and emissions are reduced at all stages of the value chain.

Through repair, reuse, repurposing, re-engineering, and recycling, resources and products can be kept within the use cycle for longer. These strategies counteract the emissions-intensive extraction and processing of raw materials, which accounts for about half of direct or indirect CO₂ emissions worldwide.

Studies

This preliminary study compiles and evaluates circular economy approaches in the automotive sector. It derives concrete areas of action for establishing a climate-friendly and resource-efficient Circular Economy.

Download here (only german).

This preliminary study compiles and evaluates circular economy approaches in the buildings sector. It derives concrete areas of action for establishing a climate-friendly and resource-efficient Circular Economy.

Download here (only german).

Initiatives

The work within the CEWI project builds on existing projects and initiatives and complements their approaches and results. This section provides a brief overview of initiatives, networks, and associations in both the buildings and automotive sectors.

Circular Economy Initiative Deutschland
Circular Cars Initiative
European Battery Alliance
European Raw Materials Alliance
Nexus Automotive International
Initiative Leichtbau
Re-FACTORY von Renault
Klimarunde BAU
Kreislaufwirtschaft Bau
Architects for Future e.V.
Initiative Wohnen.2050
Circular Plastics Alliance
Offensive Gutes Bauen
Fachagentur Nachwachsende Rohstoffe e. V.
Cradle to Cradle
re!source gemeinnützige Stiftung e.V. – Ressourcenwende in der Bau- und Immobilienwirtschaft