Satu Huuhka: Recreating construction for circularity

In this presentation, I discuss how the construction sector’s transition from linear to circular can be facilitated. As the theoretical background, I rely on the multi-level perspective to technology and sustainability transitions, as presented by Geels (2002, 2019). As the case study, I refer to the Horizon 2020 project ‘Reusing precast concrete for a circular economy’ (ReCreate), which I lead. In this project, companies and stakeholders of the construction sector – both project partners and external actors – have come together to develop knowledge, technology, processes, skills, regulation and business out of reuse. Using Geels’ theory as the backdrop, I argue and demonstrate that the simultaneous development of all the aforementioned aspects is necessary to catalyse a circularity transition, which fundamentally changes how the construction sector is organised.

As the professor of sustainable renovation, Satu Huuhka leads the Renovation & Circular Economy Transition (ReCET) research group at Tampere University. Under Satu’s leadership, ReCET does research on all aspects of circular construction, but focuses particularly on reusing existing assets – whole buildings and their components and materials. Their joint mission is to catalyse the circularity transition in the construction sector.