Implementing Bio-regional circular construction economy – Towards a New vernacular

Project description

The construction sector, a major contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, faces significant challenges in decarbonising the supply chains of materials such as cement and steel, while conventional solutions remain costly or socially difficult to implement. Our project proposes a shift towards regenerative construction, based on renewable bio-based materials (wood, agricultural fibers), minimally processed geo-based materials (earth, stone), and reuse through circular material loops. This approach builds on vernacular traditions while addressing contemporary performance, climate resilience and regulatory standards, with the aim of meeting net-zero targets and supporting local economies.

Project implementation

To enable this transition, the project will assess local resource availability, quantify environmental, economic and social benefits, and identify key drivers and barriers for implementation. Through a co-creation process with political bodies, industry stakeholders and recognised experts, supported by a strong interdisciplinary academic team, we will facilitate knowledge exchange, foster dialogue and promote collaborative experiments. The goal is to catalyse a bio-regional circular transformation and guide policy, practice and value chain actors towards scalable, regenerative construction solutions.