Promoting Circular Approaches To The Built Environment
The official kick-off meeting of the CABE (Circular Approaches for the Built Environment) project took place in Zurich in February, marking the start of a three-year effort by 17 European institutions and organisations to develop and pilot circular solutions for the built environment through the reuse of construction and demolition waste (C&DW).
The first meeting was hosted by the Zurich University of Applied Sciences, which is leading the effort. From Cyprus, the Cyprus University of Technology (CUT) , the KyklOIKOdromio and the Municipality of Strovolos are participating, actively contributing to the development of innovative mechanisms for construction and demolition waste management, protection of urban resources and promotion of circular infrastructure.
The CABE project envisions a world where construction waste is not discarded but turned into valuable resources. Through the integration of cyclical approaches, it seeks to create resilient and self-sustaining urban ecosystems. Using innovative policies, digital tools and partnerships, the project will redefine the way cities are designed and built, ensuring that building materials are reused, recycled or fully utilised.
Main Objectives of the CABE project
- Promoting circularity through the creation of a cadastre approach to track materials, manage disaster waste and develop a dynamic market for reusable materials.
- Reducing the environmental footprint by reducing the costs associated with construction waste and contributing to the clean-up of urban areas in the event of natural disasters.
- Enhancing resource efficiency through the adoption of digital tools, such as material passports, for waste prevention and management.
- Ensure inclusion and sustainability through the active participation of various stakeholders and vulnerable groups in the development and implementation of the project.
The project includes case studies, best practice guidelines and a roadmap to support informed decisions, with a particular focus on disaster waste management and urban regeneration in selected locations.
By integrating innovative solutions and cyclical principles in urban development, CABE aims to transform construction waste into a valuable resource. The success of the project will contribute to creating greener cities, reducing environmental impact and strengthening the circular economy in Europe and Cyprus.
The project is co-funded by the European cooperation Driving Urban Transitions to a sustainable future (DUT). In Cyprus, the project is co-funded by the Cyprus Research and Innovation Foundation.
