Reuse processes for construction materials in a municipal building sector - a scoping literature review

According to the European Green Deal, increasing the reuse of building materials is recognised as a key measure for reducing emissions and contributing to climate neutrality by 2050. The public sector and municipalities play significant roles and have numerous opportunities to guide planning, construction, and maintenance processes. This paper reviews state-of-the-art research on building material reuse, covering deconstruction to construction, with a focus on the municipal building sector. This study builds on a scoping literature review using PRISMA-ScR, covering literature up to 2024. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 93 articles were identified. Data were analysed and categorised to investigate publication trends in the circular economy (CE) within the municipal building sector. The results indicate a rising trend in publications to date, representing a global pattern, although the majority originate from Western European countries. CE in the built environment is widely addressed through various models, methods, and location-specific case studies. Few studies examine the reuse of existing buildings and processes for utilising current structures, as well as their integration into new projects. There is a noticeable gap in research on establishing these practices as future models, particularly in their management and logistical aspects. Additionally, the study highlights a significant lack of literature on the reuse of building materials in municipal contexts, with municipalities serving as project leaders. The findings reveal critical opportunities to promote CE practices in the municipal building sector and enhance the reuse process. These insights can guide public policy development, improve reuse efficiency, and foster sustainable management of construction materials. Future research should focus on logistical development, governance structures, and stakeholder collaborations to effectively implement CE in the municipal building sector.