SBC value chain and actors

Chapter 3 defines the circular economy and its role in the built environment as is understood by the SBC programme. The concept of the circular economy is not new. However, it has received recent attention and interest in the buildings and construction sector in parts of the Global North. To enable successful implementation, the life cycle stages across the value chain need to be understood. This is explored across environmental, social, and economic values in the different life cycle stages, alongside other influencing factors such as finance, markets, supply chains and the role of various actors in the value chain process. Based on international standards, general guidance, practical experience and common knowledge, the chapter defines six phases in the circular life cycle of building and analyses how these phases interact with the actors to achieve circular outcomes. The chapter analyses the approach that the SBC programme took to shift current linear practices and adopt empirical approaches to support circularity outcomes. This includes consistency across approaches used by the industry to seek value-add in the construction value chain by enabling actors to commence their circular journey at any point in the value chain. Ultimately, the goal of circular approaches to building and construction is to retain or increase value while lowering environmental impacts, reduce financial burdens and create added social value. The circular journey in the value chain can commence at any point across the building life cycle: manufacturing, design, construction, operation, or end of life phases.