Measuring Circularity in Brazilian Social Housing

Abstract

AbstractThe incorporation of circular economy (CE) principles in social housing (SH) is a not widespread agenda in government public policies. If, on the one hand, the growing demand for housing puts pressure on public services and the construction value chain, on the other hand, the reduction in the extraction of virgin materials and waste generation is essential to mitigate the effects of global climate change. This article presents a case study of how the Brazilian government is addressing circularity in the country's National Housing Plan. The study presents the proposal for circularity indicators to be implemented, both in new and existing buildings, aiming to reduce material demand and waste generation in SH. The adoption of circular indices in the input flow of materials has greater applicability in SH and promotes incentives to the secondary construction materials market. Circularity in the outflow of materials requires greater maturity in the application of CE principles and a systematic change in the housing design stage. The study aims to guide decision-makers around the consistent measurement of circularity in housing, promoting improved performance and the shift towards a more sustainable built environment.