Reusing the construction products that arise from refurbishment or demolition offers multiple benefits, such as reduced embodied carbon through the displacement of new products and materials. It also supports self-sufficiency in a sector that imports a significant quantity of materials and products, with added advantages of reducing impacts of material extraction globally, preventing loss of biodiversity and waste emissions.

However, despite there being a reuse potential for a typical building of anything from 10% - 80% (by weight), the reality for most projects is closer to less than 1%. This session will explore the evolving landscape of drivers in the UK and Europe – from new regulation, standards and planning regimes to the use of new digital technologies to drive reuse and the practical implementation of reuse onsite. It will show how collaboration, innovation and demonstration are starting to change the reuse and circularity landscape, but set a challenge to the industry to do more.