Ep. 64 ‘There’s No Such Thing as Waste – Just Resources Waiting to Be Reused’ | What Is A Circular Economy

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Sustainability expert and architect Duncan Baker-Brown discusses innovative approaches to sustainable construction and the circular economy on this episode of the Thrive In Construction podcast. Duncan shares insights from his groundbreaking project, the Brighton Waste House, a teaching facility built using 55 tons of discarded materials, which not only meets passive house standards but also serves as a beacon for sustainable design. 

Duncan explores the impact of construction waste, which accounts for over 60% of the UK's total waste, and the urgent need to rethink how we use and reuse materials in the built environment. From using reclaimed materials like old toothbrushes to developing buildings designed for disassembly, he explains how the industry can shift away from its wasteful linear model to a more resource-efficient circular economy. 

Throughout the conversation, Duncan also touches on the role of policy and initiatives, like the potential for regulations on embodied carbon in construction, and how cities can become "material banks" for future developments. He gives an in-depth look at his book, "The Reuse Atlas," which features case studies on how circular economy principles are being successfully applied in architecture and construction. 

Links:
Duncan's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/duncan-baker-brown-b1890924/
BakerBrown: https://bakerbrown.studio/
Duncan's book 'The Reuse Atlas': https://www.amazon.co.uk/Re-Use-Atlas-Designers-Towards-Circular/dp/1859466443
Darren: https://darrenevans.komi.io/

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