The SIRCULAR project has recently submitted its second public deliverable, led by RINA-C, to the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA). While we await its public release, this summary offers an early look at one of the project’s most critical topics: the relationship between construction materials and indoor air quality (IAQ)—and what that means for occupant health in the context of circular construction.
As Europe moves toward more sustainable and circular building practices, questions about the safety and performance of recycled materials have become increasingly relevant. The report examines how materials, particularly those sourced from Construction and Demolition Waste (CDW), can influence the quality of indoor environments. It addresses the intersection of sustainability, health, and regulatory compliance, seeking to ensure that circularity does not come at the cost of well-being.
The study adopts a comprehensive approach, combining laboratory emissions testing, real-world monitoring in pilot buildings, and a review of international standards and health guidelines. One of its key contributions is an integrated evaluation framework that connects IAQ, material performance, and circular economy goals. This framework allows for a more informed selection of construction products, balancing environmental benefits with strict health criteria. Initial findings show that recycled materials can support healthier and more sustainable construction, if they are carefully processed and monitored. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), formaldehyde, and fine particulate matter continue to pose challenges, especially in energy-efficient, airtight buildings where ventilation is limited. Environmental conditions like humidity and temperature play a significant role in how these pollutants behave indoors, underlining the importance of climate-specific strategies.
The report also reflects on the evolving European regulatory landscape. While existing frameworks provide a solid foundation, further standardisation and stricter certification processes for recycled materials are needed to accelerate market confidence and adoption.
Ultimately, the deliverable reinforces SIRCULAR’s broader mission: supporting the transformation of the building sector toward a model that is not only low-carbon and circular, but also healthy and resilient.
We’ll share the full report once it’s approved by CINEA. Meanwhile, you can explore our four regional clusters in Estonia, Spain, Greece, and Germany.