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Project title

Evaluating the impacts of national end-of-waste and by-product decisions for construction-based materials.

Primary Funding Agency

Environmental Protection Agency

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

Davy

Lead Applicant

Ellie Walshe

Project Abstract

The problem this project tackles is that traditional ‘Take-Make-Waste’ linear business models have significant resource, waste and climate change impacts. The circular economy provides a solution and an opportunity to transform economies to be more sustainable, contribute to climate goals, preserve the world’s resources, create local jobs and generate competitive advantages. The evidence base is well established in priority sectors where potential for circular solutions is high. The EPA Circular Economy Programme 2021-2027 highlights Construction & Demolition (C&D) waste as a priority. Ireland has an ambition to achieve a circular economy by avoiding the generation of unnecessary waste and reducing the use of virgin raw materials. The Irish Circular Economy Bill 2021, provides the framework to shift to a circular economy that designs out waste, pollution and supports Ireland’s climate ambitions. This aligns with the EU Circular Economy Action Programme, EU Green Deal, Irelands Climate Action Plan and the Whole of Government Circular Economy Strategy 2022-2023. This project addresses the impacts of national decisions on end-of-waste and by-product criteria for construction-based materials, i.e. crushed concrete and soil & stones. The project will review the international evidence base and best practice solutions to identify the most appropriate circular business models for Ireland across construction-based materials. It will establish the rationale for why and how these models can work considering environmental, financial, and sectoral impacts. The project will include desktop based and engagement style research, with industry experts from leading companies in the sector including John Sisk & Son Ltd, Glenveagh Properties plc and Cairn Homes plc. The project will use data from current construction projects in Ireland applying Article 27 and Article 28 to establish end-of-waste and by-product criteria for C&D materials. This will inform the practicalities of end-of-waste and by-product status of materials and how they are achieved for construction based-materials. The final report will identify and quantify the impacts of national decisions on end-of-waste and by-product criteria, by using the data obtained from the desktop and engagement phases of the project. It will also include a list of recommendations on how these decisions could be improved, to enable Ireland to move towards a more circular economy for construction-based materials. Our project team has an extensive track record on developing circular policy at the European Commission, UK Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) as well as implementation in industry and participating on expert initiatives like Product Life Institute, CIRCULÉIRE and Ellen McArthur Foundation. This facilitates our access to industry specific evidence and experts. We will build on existing international and national research, resulting innovation and their application to enable circularity. We can help the EPA form the Steering Committee from industry leading experts in our network, e.g., in the Construction Industry Federation (CIF) and the Irish Green Building Council (IGBC).

Grant Approved

�97,479.72

Research Hub

Green and Circular Economy

Research Theme

n/a

Start Date

25/03/2024

Initial Projected Completion Date

24/03/2025