On 25 March, a SIRCULAR Project stakeholder workshop took place in Tallinn, organised in collaboration with the LIFE IP BuildEST project. The workshop brought together construction and waste management specialists to discuss the circular use of materials in the built environment.
Throughout the day, participants explored the core principles of circular construction and the central challenge it seeks to address: moving away from the linear “take–make–dispose” model. Discussions focused on how construction waste streams can be better redirected into circulation to prevent the loss of valuable materials. Specific attention was given to glass recycling in construction, as well as the use of light gravels as a practical circular economy solution. Practical insights were shared by Jäätmete sorteerimiskeskus OÜ and Green Gravels OÜ.
During the interactive session, participants reflected on key barriers to the circular use of construction materials. These included financial constraints, regulatory challenges, limited awareness among clients and contractors, uncertainty around waste separation practices, and the gap between theoretical solutions and on-site implementation. The role of apartment associations was also discussed, particularly their potential to influence circular practices by including reuse and recycling requirements in procurement processes.
To overcome these challenges, several actions were identified as priorities: better alignment of regulations with real-world needs, clearer integration of environmental criteria into procurement, improved access to consultancy services and practical guidance, and the use of pilot projects to demonstrate and scale effective solutions.
The workshop highlighted that circular construction is no longer a future ambition but a present necessity. The remaining question is how quickly these ideas can be translated into widespread practice.
SIRCULAR project partners in Estonia include TalTech – Tallinn University of Technology, The Estonian Union of Co-operative Housing Associations (EKYL), Tartu Regional Energy Agency (TREA), and Balti Vara Ehitus (BVE).