Contract documents

August 14, 2024

Introduction

Global warming and climate change, two phenomena that so many chose to ignore for decades, are real, and the impact they’re having on our world is obvious. From coastlines that grow smaller with each passing year due to the melting of polar ice caps to forest fires that run rampant throughout the West, the days of turning a deaf ear to this truth have come and gone. That’s the bad news, but here’s the good news: we still have time.

We still have time to reverse the harmful damage caused by hubris and, in some cases, outright negligence, which has led us to this point. There’s still time, but it’s going to take an investment from all sectors, including construction, a silo that continues embracing the need for change, using several methods, including circular construction.

What is Circular Construction?

Circular construction is a sustainable, environmentally friendly building philosophy that focuses on minimizing waste and the reusing of materials, driven by what’s known as a closed-loop system. Under this approach, buildings are designed to be disassembled, reused, and paired with other materials to prolong the life of the building.

Five Things You Should Know About Circular Construction

Thinking about circular construction? Here are five things you should know.

1. Reduces carbon footprint: Carbon dioxide is one of the primary drivers of greenhouse gas emissions that chip away and tear down our atmosphere. The construction industry has a long history of using materials with high carbon levels, but in circular construction, builders commit to recycling and reusing materials with low carbon footprints, which limits their harmful impacts.
2. Lowers waste: The construction industry is responsible for 40% of the world’s waste, making it by far the most wasteful sector in the world. By the year 2025, the industry is projected to deliver an astounding 2.2 billion tons of waste. Glass, wood, plastic, steel, harmful asbestos, and insulation contribute to this figure. Part of this problem comes because construction is an industry with a history of replacing or building new structures. Circular construction is based on reusing, recycling, and re-purposing: approaches that save on waste and protect the environment.
3. Increases the life of a structure: The world is fascinated with shiny, new objects. From cars to planes, boats, motorcycles, and buildings, our world adores new things. Unfortunately, those new things aren’t always good for the environment, and that, at least from a building perspective, is where circular construction comes into play. Circular construction prolongs the life of a structure, eliminating the need for waste-producing demolition and reconstruction.
4. Adds to the comfort of occupants: The health of occupants is a contributing factor to the growth of circular construction. Even though they beautify and give texture to our landscapes, without people inhabiting the buildings, there’s no need for them. With that, working with a circular mindset that puts people and their well-being first, helps build morale and a strong workplace culture.
5. Great for public relations: Firms that prioritize their occupants and the environment are viewed favorably. Employees work harder and feel a sense of belonging when they know their employer has their best interests in mind. The same goes for customers. They’re more likely to be loyal when they realize the business they’re patronizing, invests in their staff, their customers, and the environment, all of which occur under the principles of circular construction.

Conclusion

Finding construction methods that don’t harm the environment is critical as the work of reversing the damage to our planet continues, and circular construction is one such means. Construction is an industry renowned for producing large quantities of harmful wastes, but with this method, those wastes are greatly reduced without sacrificing craftmanship. Carbon emissions are lowered, and the life of the building, which historically adds to the volume of waste and harmful emissions, also decreases significantly.

When it comes to people, occupants and the general population both win with circular construction. Habitant health increases because the building was built with their health and well-being in mind, not just as a place to come, go, and work. The same goes for the general population. While they may not directly use a structure, using circular construction reduces the damage it has on their environment, thereby increasing their quality of life, resulting in favorable relations with the builder. When the tenets powering this revolutionary concept are activated, those depending on the building, the community, the professionals who are a part of the process, and, most importantly, the environment all win.

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 AIA Contract Documents has provided this article for general informational purposes only. The information provided is not legal opinion or legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship of any kind. This article is also not intended to provide guidance as to how project parties should interpret their specific contracts or resolve contract disputes, as those decisions will need to be made in consultation with legal counsel, insurance counsel, and other professionals, and based upon a multitude of factors.