On 6 May, Fernando Sigchos Jimenez, Secretary General of the European Builders Confederation, took part in the REGIO Peer2Peer Circular Economy Community session dedicated to “Circular Construction: Policy, Case Studies and Lessons Learnt.”
The session brought together members of the circular economy community, public authorities, experts and project representatives to discuss how circular construction can be further promoted across Europe. The exchange focused on EU policy developments, practical case studies and lessons learnt from initiatives working to make the construction sector more circular.
As part of the session, Fernando Sigchos Jimenez presented the SUM4Re project, funded by Horizon Europe, and shared EBC’s perspective on the role of SMEs in the transition towards circular construction.
SMEs as key actors in circular value chains
The presentation highlighted that SMEs are essential local actors in circular construction value chains. Their proximity to local markets, clients and construction sites gives them a central role in turning circular economy principles into practical solutions.
Circular construction can create several opportunities for SMEs, including new markets and business opportunities, improved resource efficiency, cost savings, stronger environmental and market reputation, and skills development.
At the same time, SMEs continue to face important challenges. These include administrative and regulatory burdens, financial constraints, technical and operational barriers, weak markets for secondary raw materials, legal uncertainty, fragmented rules, skills gaps and disproportionate responsibilities along the value chain.
A broader exchange on circular construction in Europe
The session also featured contributions from other speakers working on circular construction from different perspectives.
Stephen Richardson, from the World Green Building Council, presented an overview of why circular construction is a crucial issue and how the current EU policy landscape can support progress in this area.
Arianne Acke, from the Public Waste Agency Flanders / OVAM, shared insights from Flanders, showing how networking, research and policy support can help build a strong regional circular construction ecosystem.
Hanna van der Steen, from Häme University of Applied Sciences / HAMK, presented the KIVAKIRA project, co-funded under ESF+, which focuses on identifying skills gaps, competence needs and barriers to implementing circularity in the construction sector.
Moving circular construction forward
The REGIO Peer2Peer session offered a valuable opportunity to exchange experiences, identify common barriers and discuss practical ways to support circular construction across Europe.
For SUM4Re, the event was also an important occasion to present the project’s work and to underline the importance of supporting SMEs in the shift towards more circular, resource-efficient and sustainable construction practices.