On Tuesday, March 18, around 50 colleagues from the province of Drenthe gathered for an insightful lunch meeting focused on the circular economy. This event was an opportunity to dive deeper into various aspects of sustainability, with a particular emphasis on circular construction practices, which are gaining momentum in the region.
Presenting CTB at Circular Economy Workshop, Drenthe
Drenthe's Circular Standard
A key highlight of the meeting was the presentation of the Drenthe Circular Standard, a collaborative initiative that brings together municipalities, the provincial government, and various local stakeholders. The goal of this standard is to create a unified approach to circularity across Drenthe, with circular construction and living being a critical area of focus.
By integrating circular principles into the design, construction, and operation of buildings, Drenthe is setting a strong example of how local regions can play an active role in the circular economy.
Circular Construction in Drenthe: A Step Towards a Sustainable Future
Circular construction in Drenthe is about more than just recycling materials—it's about designing buildings and infrastructure that are resource-efficient, reduce waste, and can be adapted or repurposed over time. The Drenthe Circular Standard encourages the use of renewable materials, waste reduction during construction, and the design of buildings for longevity and easy disassembly. This focus on sustainability is aligned with the ambitions of the Interreg Circular Trust Building (CTB) project which promotes circular economy practices within the construction sector.
The CTB partnership not only strengthens the region's commitment to sustainability but also provides valuable insights, innovative solutions and shared experiences from across Europe. .
Circular Procurement & Infrastructure
The meeting also explored topics like circular procurement and tendering processes, which are essential for promoting sustainable building practices in public sector projects. By prioritizing circular criteria in procurement, municipalities and businesses can drive demand for environmentally friendly products and services, ensuring that circularity is embedded throughout the supply chain.
Additionally, circular infrastructure was discussed as an important aspect of future urban planning. By designing infrastructure projects that focus on sustainability, reusability, and energy efficiency, Drenthe can pave the way for a future where all aspects of construction contribute to a circular economy.
Knowledge Sharing for a Sustainable Future
By sharing knowledge and experiences on numerous levels, and strong committment to a circular economy, Drenthe is moving forward with circular practices in construction and collectively taking steps toward a more sustainable future. These initiatives, supported by the Interreg Circular Trust Building consortium, demonstrate how a combination of local action and international collaboration can drive real, meaningful change in the building sector.
Together, we are creating a blueprint for sustainable, circular construction that will inspire future generations to build responsibly, conserve resources, and create a more resilient, sustainable environment for all.