The circular economy is perceived as an alternative to achieve the sustainability of cities through housing of social interest, the unity in which regulations have a greater power of influence. After the crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the social housing industry plays an important role in economic reactivation, so it is urgent to incorporate sustainability into the current discussion. In the case of Chile, this model faces considerable barriers to its implementation, while having different levels of impact, applicability and scalability; however, it also entails countless economic, social and urban benefits, becoming a valuable contribution to the carbon neutrality proposed by 2050.
This study provides a diagnosis of the implementation of the circular economy in the social housing industry in Chile. The costs, technical and social benefits, risks and opportunities of different circularity models currently in application are analyzed, which could - with appropriate incentives and promotion policies - generate new business models, green jobs and a decrease in the environmental impact of construction.
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