The German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB) and the Circle network have entered into a strategic collaboration. The aim of this partnership is to sustainably consolidate the circular economy in the construction sector, pool expertise, and significantly accelerate practical implementation. The collaboration extends to intensive technical exchange, participation in selected committees, and active involvement in joint formats and events.
Both the DGNB and Circle pursue the primary goal of noticeably advancing the transformation to a functioning circular economy in the construction industry. By networking knowledge, stakeholders, and specific projects, the realisation of circular solutions is intended to become simpler, more economical, and more widely accessible in the future, which can also lead to a potential reduction in costs for recycled building products. The intensified partnership aims to combine the respective strengths of both organisations more purposefully.
Partner synergies
The DGNB, as Europe's largest network with over 2,800 member organisations, contributes its expertise in the systematisation and evaluation of sustainable building methods, as well as the associated knowledge transfer. Circle, for its part, has set itself the goal of making the circular economy in construction practically implementable, measurably effective, and scalable. The more than 90 companies from the construction and waste management industries engaged in the Circle network develop pilot projects and promote innovations in current practice.
At the core of the collaboration is the conviction that circularity will only achieve broad acceptance if knowledge, application, and collaboration are closely intertwined. The cooperation will more strongly connect existing networks, make specialised knowledge more accessible, and translate innovative approaches into concrete projects more quickly. Within the framework of committee work, joint events, and other formats, synergies are to be leveraged and potentials fully explored. This is intended to generate new impetus from a systematic perspective as well as from practical implementation.
- —For the DGNB, the partnership offers the opportunity to specifically utilise and further develop the implementation expertise in the field of circular economy bundled within Circle.
- —Circle benefits from the methodical strength and reach of the DGNB.
- —The transformation to a circular economy can only succeed through the close cooperation of different stakeholders, as noted by Dr. Christine Lemaitre, Chief Executive Officer of the DGNB.
- —Mr. Daniel Imhäuser, initiator of Circle, emphasises that the cooperation helps to bring the circular economy more strongly from theory into application.
Dr. Christine Lemaitre, Chief Executive Officer of the DGNB, commented on the partnership, stating that the transformation to a functioning circular economy in construction can only succeed through the close cooperation of various stakeholders. She highlighted that Circle starts precisely where practical implementation and the bringing together of relevant market participants are crucial. This combination of systematic approach and lived practice offers significant opportunities for the future development of the industry. Daniel Imhäuser, initiator of Circle, added that Circle thrives on the construction industry taking action. Through the DGNB, they gain a partner who possesses both technical depth and a strong impact within the industry. Together, it is possible to bring the circular economy even more strongly into application and to demonstrate its already existing functionality.
