Implementing new circular economy solutions


In the circular economy, the aim is to make use of existing materials and reduce the need for new materials. More efficient use of resources and the development of new solutions are important for reducing the burden that construction places on nature.

How the circular economy is reflected in practice

We consider circular economy opportunities already in the early design phase of projects. The assessment is carried out based on the project’s starting points and conditions. The aim is to identify solutions that improve material efficiency and extend service life where technically feasible.

In practice, this may include:

  • assessing reuse opportunities for existing materials and building components as part of design, including materials recovered from demolished buildings
  • using recycled materials, i.e. new materials made from waste (secondary materials)
  • solutions aiming to reduce the use of virgin soil and aggregates, such as assessing opportunities to utilise surplus masses generated during construction
  • identifying recovery and circulation opportunities related to material flows
  • testing and piloting new solutions so that lessons learned can be applied in future projects

In residential projects in Finland and in projects where we have design responsibility, we also use a circular economy plan to identify project-appropriate opportunities for reuse, the use of recycled/secondary materials and steering material flows.

Our circular economy development is also supported by YIT’s Circular Economy Green Deal commitment, through which we have committed to promoting efficient use and circulation of materials together with other stakeholders.

Read more about our Circular Economy Green Deal

What is the circular economy in construction?

Circular economy in construction means that materials and building components are used for as long and as efficiently as possible. Buildings are designed to be easy to repair, modify and dismantle so that materials can be recovered for reuse. When new materials are needed, recycled and secondary materials are preferred. The aim is to minimise waste and ensure that as large a share as possible is recovered for further use.

Example project

In the Vallila circular economy block, materials suitable for recovery were identified already in the early project phase and are being utilised in the new block. Some materials were also directed to reuse through a circular economy marketplace.

Read more about Vallila circular economy block in Finnish

Monitoring and assessment

We monitor circular economy implementation, for example through waste generated at construction sites, sorting and recycling. Monitoring provides an overall view of site material flows. At present, the reuse of construction materials or components is not monitored via separate quantitative indicators.

Principles guiding our work

SDG Goals