In building construction, should we consider adopting a circular economy approach?
From recycled steel to modular designs, circular construction practices could transform Bangladesh’s building sector into a hub of innovation, efficiency and sustainability. By reimagining waste as a resource, the country has the chance to lead the region in sustainable urban growth
Recently, circular economies have gained attention worldwide as a response to resource depletion, climate change and environmental degradation. In contrast to linear economies, circular economies promote reusing, recycling and regenerating materials to make waste a resource rather than a burden.
This discussion focuses on the building construction industry, which consumes large quantities of raw materials and generates large amounts of waste. Considering Bangladesh's rapid urbanisation and infrastructure growth, a circular economy in construction has become a necessity.
Raw materials, greenhouse gases and solid waste are all generated by construction worldwide. During demolition, concrete, steel, glass, and bricks are produced at great environmental cost, and most of these materials become debris. High-rise buildings, roads and mega infrastructure projects dominate the skyline in Bangladesh's cities like Dhaka and Chattogram.
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Even though this growth is essential for economic development, it is also intensifying the demand for resources and generating waste. In the absence of a change in mindset, the country risks becoming trapped in an unsustainable cycle of overconsumption and environmental stress.
This problem can be solved by implementing a circular economy in construction. The use of virgin resources can be significantly reduced by designing buildings that are flexible, adaptable, and reusable. It is possible to reuse or recycle materials such as concrete and steel if they are carefully separated, while bricks and timber are often salvageable from demolition sites. Rather than sending construction and demolition waste to landfills, the materials can be recycled. Thus, waste can be minimised, and materials' value can be preserved.
Bangladesh's need to adopt circular practices in construction is amplified by several realities. In addition, the country has a limited amount of land and a dense population, making it difficult to expand waste disposal sites. By obstructing natural drainage systems, construction debris dumped in open areas and waterbodies pollutes the environment and worsens urban flooding. A further threat posed by climate change is Bangladesh's vulnerability to heatwaves, cyclones, and rising sea levels.
By using building materials more efficiently, we could reduce carbon emissions and make the planet more resilient to climate change. Moreover, the local construction industry heavily relies on natural resources like sand, clay, and stone. As an example, riverbank erosion and ecological damage have already been caused by unsustainable sand mining. It may be possible to slow down nature's destructive exploitation by implementing circular practices.
It is also economically advantageous to adopt circular economy principles in building construction. By formalising supply chains for salvaged materials, reusing and recycling materials can reduce project costs. Additionally, it can serve as a catalyst for the creation of green jobs and new markets in areas such as material recovery, recycling, and product innovation.
It is possible to find a promising market for companies that specialise in recycled aggregates, modular building components, or sustainable material technologies in Bangladesh. Moreover, international investors and development agencies are increasingly prioritising sustainability. By aligning with circular economy principles, the construction sector could attract more international collaboration and investment.
The construction sector in Bangladesh faces challenges when it comes to integrating circularity. In this fragmented industry, many small and medium-sized contractors operate with limited technical capacity or sustainability awareness. There is no emphasis on material reuse or waste management in building codes and regulations. Material recovery from demolition is often difficult due to crude demolition practices.
As well, clients and developers tend to value "new" over "reused," so recycled materials may face resistance. It is imperative that policymakers, industry leaders, academia, and professional bodies work together to overcome these barriers.
Developing circular economy policies and regulations is the first step. The government's construction contracts and public infrastructure projects can be used as testing grounds for requiring recycled content or waste minimisation. In addition to teaching circular design strategies, educational institutions should also promote modular construction, design for disassembly, and life cycle assessment. The circular economy is both environmentally beneficial and economically viable when promoted by industry associations.
It is important to encourage innovation. A number of alternative building materials are already being explored in Bangladesh, including compressed earth blocks, recycled plastic bricks, and bamboo composites. Circular construction could be greatly expanded if these innovations were supported through funding, certification, and market access.
Moreover, informal workers, who handle most of the waste in cities, should be recognised and integrated into formal recycling chains to ensure both social equity and efficiency.
In addition to cultural change, a circular economy in construction requires a shift in how we think about buildings. It is important to view a building more as a material bank for the future rather than a disposable product. We should encourage the design of buildings that allow for modification, extension, or disassembly without major waste. It is important to educate homeowners, developers, and contractors about how choosing sustainable and reusable materials increases the long-term health of cities and neighbourhoods.
As Bangladesh's construction boom continues, the circular economy provides both challenges and opportunities. In addition to challenging us to rethink overused and wasteful practices, it presents a great opportunity to lead the way for sustainable construction in the region. Through the adoption of circular principles, Bangladesh can reduce environmental damage, increase resource security, create new industries, and align its development with global sustainability goals.
There is no choice between considering circular economy in building construction or failing to do so. Instead, the question is how quickly we can make it a reality before the consequences of non-action become unbearable.
Bangladesh's construction industry cannot follow a linear path in the future. There must be a circular motion. It is only then that resilient, prosperous and sustainable structures can be built.
Dr Sajal Chowdhury is an architect, educator and head of the Department of Architecture, CUET and a researcher focusing on Environmental Experience Design, IEQ, Architectural Science and Wellbeing.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of The Business Standard.
