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Circular Economy : much more with much less

The construction sector is of strategic importance for many countries across the world. It delivers the buildings and infrastructure needed by the rest of the economy and society. It generates about 9% of gross domestic product (GDP) in the European Union and provides 18 million direct jobs. The construction value chain includes a wide range of economic activities, going from the extraction of raw materials, the manufacturing and distribution of construction products up to the design, construction, management and control of construction works, their maintenance, renovation and demolition, as well as the recycling of construction and demolition waste.

As such, the construction sector plays an important role in the delivery of the European Union’s “Europe 2020” goals for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. It has a direct impact on the safety of workers and on the quality of life. Buildings, infrastructure and construction products have an important impact on energy and resource efficiency, the fight against climate change and in the environment in general.

Disaster & material management

At an earthquake, buildings, bridges, dams, factories, chimneys of factories and monuments collapse and the communication and power lines, sewer system and drinking water lines are damaged. These wastes block the roads, so the rescue and first-aid groups, related heavy duty machines can not reach the disaster areas easily. Also, due to the damage of the communication lines authorities can not obtain sound information about the extent of the disaster and give necessary orders to the related people because of the damage of the communication lines. The amount of the demolishing waste depends on the type of the area such as urban or rural area, intensity of the earthquake and the number of demolished buildings and facilities. When the amount of demolishing wastes is estimated, also the amount of the wastes generated during the repair and construction of wastes should be considered.

Understanding life cycles

Educational program about circular economy The aim of the program is to educate students on the basic principles of circular economy, the modifications required in the shift from linear to circular production, consumption and resource management, and the specification of circular economy to the use of lakes and lakes’ sweet water. At the same time, they will become familiar with the connection of circular economy with Ancient Greek culture. Educating students about the philosophy of circular economy and the changes required in all of changing land management models from linear to circular approaches.

ODYSSEUS & ATHENA INSTITUTE

8 Adrianoupoleos str
17124 Athens
Greece

39 Malvern terrace,
Brynmill 
Swansea SA20BE
Wales, UK

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We support the achievement United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, which address the greatest challenges facing humanity.

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