A System to Promote a Circular Economy in the Built Environment Through Level(s)

Abstract

According to the International Energy Agency, the construction sector contributes approximately 39% of CO2 emissions generated annually on the planet. These emissions come from the energy used for buildings, disposal of their waste, and transport and manufacture of the materials. Additionally, due to the importance of sustainable tourism examined in the proposed environmental plans for the coming decades, and hotels being ranked amongst the top energy consumers in the tertiary sector, the circularity of materials in these type of buildings could significantly contribute to the future sustainable plans. Optimising resources, materials consumption, and waste is crucial to promote a circular economy in the construction and hospitality sectors. In this context, finding the most eco-efficient solutions and materials can drastically change the environmental performance of buildings. This research focusses on quantifying the environmental impact of materials of a hotel and qualifying them through the European framework of Level(s) to facilitate the digital and ecological transition.