April 15, 2021
In Canada, construction is one of the most important economic sectors, generating $141 billion in GDP in 2020. Simultaneously, Canada’s construction sector generates one-third of total solid waste in Canada (equal to more than 4 million tonnes of waste per year). Much of the value from these waste materials and resources are currently being lost from Canada’s economy at end of life.
The circular economy has come to the forefront as a solution for moving away from today’s linear ‘take-make-waste’ economy. Applying circular economy principles to Canada’s construction and real estate sector could generate multiple benefits, including reducing waste and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions; improving the supply chain resilience; creating new economic, investment, and employment opportunities; enhancing natural ecosystems and urban green spaces; and providing greater equity and related social benefits.
