The construction industry is a major contributor to Europe’s carbon emissions, generating nearly a third of all waste and relying heavily on finite raw materials. With increasing concerns about climate change, the EU is focusing on shifting to a circular economy to mitigate these impacts. A new Circular Economy Action Plan, introduced as part of the European Green Deal, aims to reduce resource demand, create jobs, and drive long-term sustainable growth. The goal is to keep materials in use for as long as possible, closing the loop in construction by designing buildings that maximise resource efficiency and minimise waste.
The shift to circular construction involves repurposing waste materials like lithium residue, cellulose from everyday waste, and steel slag, turning them into high-quality construction materials. The ICARUS project, funded by Horizon Europe, is at the forefront of this transformation. ICARUS is working to upcycle industrial waste into valuable, sustainable building materials, offering innovative solutions to reduce the environmental impact of construction. Through advanced recycling processes and the use of digital innovation, ICARUS is proving that it’s possible to combine sustainability with high-performance construction. The project focuses on creating closed-loop systems that minimise waste, reduce energy consumption, and optimise resource efficiency.
As the EU works towards its climate-neutral target by 2050, these initiatives, particularly ICARUS, are setting the stage for a greener, more resource-efficient future in construction.
Originally published in Circular Magazine, March 2025.
