The framework for circular existing buildings is available. With this framework, DGBC broaden the circular building solutions and make them applicable to the entire construction sector. An important question is: How does circularity get a place in the entire construction task, including for existing real estate. The framework offers a definition for an existing circular building and indicators to make this measurable. DGBC worked on this framework for circular existing buildings together with Circle Economy, Metabolic, SGS Search, Alba Concepts and Valstar Simonis. The framework was made possible in part by the Laudes Foundation, Bouwinvest and Schiphol.
DGBC drew up the 'Framework for Circular Buildings' in 2018 aimed at new construction. But what about existing buildings? 80% of current real estate will still exist in 2050 and there is still no guideline for circularity in existing real estate. How can that 80% be managed and used in a circular way? And what should we prioritize for existing buildings? This report fulfills the need of many parties to make circularity (and a circular building) concrete for existing buildings as well. The framework consists of indicators for existing buildings: for building performance, management and use.
Circular strategies
Buildings continuously require resources, such as energy, materials and water, but also have a function to contribute to the well-being of people and to the biosphere. These indicators are included in this framework. It is therefore not only applicable for BREEAM, but also for building owners, policy makers and advisors, who can use it to get a clear picture of circularity for existing buildings. The framework is also intended as an inspiration document for the development of circular strategies in other projects and programs to make the existing built environment more circular faster.
“This framework provides a clear framework in a forest for all kinds of developments,” says Inge van Baardwijk, Schiphol. “Energy has been secured in multi-year maintenance plans for some time. Circularity must be given a much bigger place in MJOP. The framework helps with that.” Pam van de Klundert, Bouwinvest, adds: “The framework allows us to build on existing processes. This framework offers tools to get started with circularity within all facets of building management.”
Indicators for BREEAM(-NL) In-Use
This framework is a follow-up to the first framework, with an in-depth look at the existing building. That is why the link is now made with BREEAM(-NL) In-Use, instead of BREEAM(-NL) New Construction. The aim is to include the developed strategies and indicators in BREEAM In-Use International, and then also to include them in the Dutch versions of these guidelines. This framework is also a guideline for the BRE to translate Dutch expertise on the circular (construction) economy into the international BREEAM In-Use standard. BREEAM In-Use consists of three parts: for Part 1 (Asset) and Part 2 (Management), the international 2020 version will be followed, for Part 3 (Use), a specific Dutch revision will be released.
The report was presented on Tuesday 18 May during the webinar Framework for circular existing buildings. This webinar will soon be available to watch via the Youtube Channel.
The report is here download.
