Extended resource ownership in the construction sector
Following the success of the circular economy Extended Resource Ownership (ERO) model for manufacturing, developed by IEMA’s Circular Economy Network Steering Group in 2021, the group has initiated a new project to develop an ERO model for the construction sector.
The work is being led by the network’s steering group chair Andy Whyle, with a highly skilled team of experienced members helping to develop the different elements of the ERO to show how they can be circular. From sustainable design to retrofit, material selection and deconstruction, the team has created a clear process flow to increase the life and value of materials and drive a circular economy construction sector.
On Monday 25 April, IEMA held a webinar to update members on the progress that has been made and to ask for any feedback and ideas. There were some great questions and offers of assistance, which are gratefully being taken up.
Moving into the final stages of model development, the focus is now on building in more case studies to show good practice, looking at the average carbon savings of each element of construction, where possible, and finalising a few of the critical steps to make sure they are clear.
The IEMA members leading the work are excited that it will soon be providing practitioners with a well-researched and developed process flow model for improving circularity in the construction sector.
The ERO model for construction is expected to be finalised later on in 2022 – watch this space for further details.