With the built environment responsible for almost 40% of energy-related carbon emissions globally, we must find new ways to design and construct our cities.  

Reuse of materials is a key principle within a circular economy, ensuring material value is maintained for as long as possible. Use of reclaimed materials in construction has the potential to reduce the embodied carbon of construction, minimising the need for virgin material extraction and production as well as reducing volumes of waste generated and other negative externalities.

Re-use of materials is not yet common practice and is not without challenges.  This guide from Arup provides guidance for the re-use of steel, bricks, timber and plasterboard, with a vision for a project workflow which highlights additional steps from a business-as-usual approach to facilitate material re-use.