Accelerating Circular Constructions via Procurement: Early Insights from the One Planet Network's Flagship Initiative
The inaugural meeting of the International Advisory Group (IAG) for the One Planet Network Flagship Initiative on Mainstreaming Circularity in the Construction Sector Leveraging the Power of Public Procurement took place on March 5th-6th, 2024 in Paris, ahead of the Buildings and Climate Global Forum. Comprising 40 experts from 36 diverse organizations, the IAG supports the initiative's development. It urges governments to accelerate circularity standards in construction by leveraging their planning, management, and procurement authority. Discussions emphasized engaging stakeholders across the construction value chain, particularly those in financing, planning, design, and procurement. Attention also focused on reaching traditionally uninvolved parties like auditors and supporting emerging economies. By embracing circularity in construction projects, governments can foster greener, more resilient built environments.
The International Advisory Group (IAG) of the One Planet Network Flagship Initiative on Mainstreaming Circularity in the Construction Sector Leveraging the Power of Public Procurement” convened for the first time during the 5th to 6th of March 2024 in Paris, ahead of the Buildings and Climate Global Forum. Composed of over 40 experts from 36 organizations, representing all sectors of society, the IAG supports the development of the initiative.
The flagship initiative aims at engaging, collaborating with and supporting national and local governments in their efforts to use their planning, managing and procurement power to accelerate the uptake of circularity standards of practice and metrics in the construction sector, through a whole life cycle approach focused on not only “how” we build (materials), but also “what is built and where”, and “how much is built and why.”
Insightful deliberations at the first IAG meeting in support of the development of the flagship initiative indicated the need for the flagship initiative to focus on target audiences operating within the financing and planning stages of the construction value chain, as well as those exerting direct influence over design and procurement processes. Additionally, attention was emphasized for engaging key stakeholders traditionally not involved, such as auditors. Furthermore, there was a notable emphasis on extending support to emerging economies and regions where the construction sector's impact is projected to have the greatest impact.
By prioritizing circularity in infrastructure projects, governments can catalyze change across the entire construction value chain. From innovative design strategies to the adoption of alternative materials, the potential for transformation is vast. It's not just about meeting sustainability targets; it's about reshaping our built environment for a greener, more resilient future.
Do you want to know more about the initiative or have questions? Please get in touch with the 10YFP Secretariat by emailing Farzana Fayeza (farzana.fayeza@un.org).
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