While urbanisation and wild development constantly emphasise on the ecological imbalance of our planet, civil engineering is about to rethink itself... This breakthrough shall set in motion the future of real estate.
75%! It is the planet’s primary rate of energy which cities consume globally. According to a report by the architecture company Arup, and the European construction group Royal BAM Group, these cities are also responsible for emitting 70% CO2 globally. These alarming statements all lead to one unique solution… Eco-friendly buildings.
Focus on the circular economy
This economic model is intended to be restorative and regenerative. As we can guess from its name, the concept is to create a circuit which will facilitate the reuse of resources. This is meant to reduce waste and minimise the disadvantages of development as from the designing stage itself.
However, before implementing this new system, it is crucial to review the existing materials used; how they can be recovered and reused effectively when rethinking the designs and concepts, as well as the renewable use of energy.
The circular concept: a worthy challenge
The scarcity of resources, resulting in higher prices, is an impending problem the construction sector is about to face. It is therefore essential to value the construction materials as assets to be preserved when it comes to buildings, and to consider their life expectancy, estimating their recovery potential for future alternative use.
A first detachable and circular house
The European group BAM teamed up with Arup, Frener & Reifer, and The Built Environment Trust to tackle the challenge: borrow materials and restore them to build a first circular house in London… Which will then be dismantled after some time. This visionary project shall evaluate the potential of reusing materials.
An unequivocal need in Mauritius
There are countless wild development left incomplete around the island, resulting in abandoned projects fading into eyesores (like the Meritt yard in Trianon). This promising and thoughtful endeavour is an example worth following for Mauritius so as to reinforce future sustainable development.
