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Circular bio-based construction in Portugal
Carlos Oliveira Augusto1*, Alberto Reaes Pinto 2
1 CITAD - Universidade Lusíada de Lisboa, Rua da Junqueira, 188-198, 1349-001 Lisboa, carlosoliveira.7@gmail.com
2 CITAD - Universidade Lusíada de Lisboa, Rua da Junqueira, 188-198, 1349-001 Lisboa, reaespinto@lis.ulusiada.pt
* Corresponding author
Circular construction is defined by the application of the circular economy`s principles to the construction and
building sector. In this case, circularity means the reuse or recycling of non-renewable resources and bio-based
materials and products (e.g., wood, engineered wood, cork, straw, bamboo, coconut fibers, hempcrete, etc.) that
can also be disposed (compost) and returned to the biological cycle.
Because they are forest or crop-based, these materials also have a relevant role related with the carbon
sequestration, embodying CO2eq in buildings and infrastructures of the cities, for a large period of time and
contribute to tackling climate change (Koster et al., 2020).
Circular construction in the built environment is achieved by designing out-waste and by the extension of the
life cycle of materials, products and services at their highest value for as long as possible (ecodesign), as well as
minimizing its environmental impact fostering the resilience and regeneration of the ecosystems, for which the
bio-based materials positively contribute (Ellen MacArthur Foundation, 2019).
In Portugal, there is a huge opportunity for addressing the circular economy in the built environment, strongly
associated with the adoption of building systems that are more sustainable and circular (Konstantinovas et al.,
2019).
The aim of this study is to highlight the importance of renewable (bio-based) materials to achieve, and implement,
circularity in construction and simultaneously show some examples of buildings in Portugal, where bio-based
materials and Circular Construction principles are used in the foundations, structure, and envelope.
The results were obtained from a literature review and case studies in the context of a PhD thesis research.
Keywords: sustainable construction, circular economy, circular construction, bio-based materials, sustainable
architecture
Acknowledgment: The authors gratefully acknowledge receiving funding from the FCT – Fundação para a
Ciência e a Tecnologia, I.P., under the Project UIDB/04026/2020.
REFERENCES
Ellen MacArthur Foundation, 2019. The built environment: 10 circular investment opportunities to build back
better. Ellen MacArthur Foundation, Cowes, UK.
Konstantinovas, B., Ventura Bento, N., Sanches, T., 2019. Economia circular no setor da construção civil I - ciclo
dos materiais. Comissão de Coordenação e Desenvolvimento Regional de Lisboa e Vale do Tejo, Lisboa. https://
doi.org/10.1016/j.tws.2014.01.021
Koster, M., Schrotenboer, I., Van der Burgh, F., Dams, B., Jacobs, L., Versele, A., 2020. White Paper: Five
essentials for successful circular bio-based construction initiatives. Circular Bio-based Construction Industry
(CBCI)., Lille.
16 1 3 – 1 4 S E PT E M B E R 2 0 2 3 I I Z O L A , S LOVE N I A
Carlos Oliveira Augusto1*, Alberto Reaes Pinto 2
1 CITAD - Universidade Lusíada de Lisboa, Rua da Junqueira, 188-198, 1349-001 Lisboa, carlosoliveira.7@gmail.com
2 CITAD - Universidade Lusíada de Lisboa, Rua da Junqueira, 188-198, 1349-001 Lisboa, reaespinto@lis.ulusiada.pt
* Corresponding author
Circular construction is defined by the application of the circular economy`s principles to the construction and
building sector. In this case, circularity means the reuse or recycling of non-renewable resources and bio-based
materials and products (e.g., wood, engineered wood, cork, straw, bamboo, coconut fibers, hempcrete, etc.) that
can also be disposed (compost) and returned to the biological cycle.
Because they are forest or crop-based, these materials also have a relevant role related with the carbon
sequestration, embodying CO2eq in buildings and infrastructures of the cities, for a large period of time and
contribute to tackling climate change (Koster et al., 2020).
Circular construction in the built environment is achieved by designing out-waste and by the extension of the
life cycle of materials, products and services at their highest value for as long as possible (ecodesign), as well as
minimizing its environmental impact fostering the resilience and regeneration of the ecosystems, for which the
bio-based materials positively contribute (Ellen MacArthur Foundation, 2019).
In Portugal, there is a huge opportunity for addressing the circular economy in the built environment, strongly
associated with the adoption of building systems that are more sustainable and circular (Konstantinovas et al.,
2019).
The aim of this study is to highlight the importance of renewable (bio-based) materials to achieve, and implement,
circularity in construction and simultaneously show some examples of buildings in Portugal, where bio-based
materials and Circular Construction principles are used in the foundations, structure, and envelope.
The results were obtained from a literature review and case studies in the context of a PhD thesis research.
Keywords: sustainable construction, circular economy, circular construction, bio-based materials, sustainable
architecture
Acknowledgment: The authors gratefully acknowledge receiving funding from the FCT – Fundação para a
Ciência e a Tecnologia, I.P., under the Project UIDB/04026/2020.
REFERENCES
Ellen MacArthur Foundation, 2019. The built environment: 10 circular investment opportunities to build back
better. Ellen MacArthur Foundation, Cowes, UK.
Konstantinovas, B., Ventura Bento, N., Sanches, T., 2019. Economia circular no setor da construção civil I - ciclo
dos materiais. Comissão de Coordenação e Desenvolvimento Regional de Lisboa e Vale do Tejo, Lisboa. https://
doi.org/10.1016/j.tws.2014.01.021
Koster, M., Schrotenboer, I., Van der Burgh, F., Dams, B., Jacobs, L., Versele, A., 2020. White Paper: Five
essentials for successful circular bio-based construction initiatives. Circular Bio-based Construction Industry
(CBCI)., Lille.
16 1 3 – 1 4 S E PT E M B E R 2 0 2 3 I I Z O L A , S LOVE N I A
