Now is the Time to Act on ‘Reuse’ in Construction!

Simon Guy • 3 October 2023

The construction sector is one of the most wasteful areas of industrial activity in the UK. Defra statistics published in May 2022 showed that construction generates two thirds of all UK waste, and around a third of all the waste that is sent to landfill is from construction activity. This creates an enormous carbon impact and represents a pitiful level of resource efficiency. It also creates a huge financial and social cost.

A recent report from Qflow highlighted that only of 2% construction material is reused following distribution to a waste facility. When you consider this against analysis showing how a higher level of reuse can dramatically impact and reduce our carbon emissions, it’s not difficult to conclude that we have a huge opportunity and driver for us all to increase reuse.

The Alliance for Sustainable Building Products (ASBP) has launched a campaign to focus on this, and encourage greater reuse of building materials within the construction industry and accelerate the transition to a more resource efficient, circular economy.


‘Reuse Now’ invites likeminded organisations, individuals and groups to come together to share knowledge on reuse, work together on solutions that can encourage reuse, and collaborate to address the barriers and obstacles that have, so far, dampened the supply and demand for reused products. The campaign builds upon the ASBP-led DISRUPT project, which explored the innovative reuse of structural steel in construction through the creation and adoption of new circular business models.


As part of the campaign, ASBP are also asking industry practitioners to help with a survey of the awareness and understanding of reuse as it stands, seeking to understand the barriers and enablers of a more circular economy in construction, and understand current priorities and target the areas where help is most needed.


Furthermore, a Reuse Summit on October 18th in London will provide a platform for those already active in the product reuse space, with panel discussions and inspiring case studies showing what steps the industry can take to increase the uptake of reused materials, looking from structure to flooring, and fittings to furniture.


This event forms part of ReLondon’s Circular Economy (CE) Week 2023, which is now in its sixth year and has grown in strength and reputation, becoming the event for circular economy professional and advocates to share knowledge, insights, innovations and success stories.

Reusefully is supporting the Reuse Summit, which is hosted by ASBP and the Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS), and you can find out more information on the event and register here. We are involved in reuse at a practical level via

pre-demolition audits, and working on standards and policy recommendations for different stakeholders to try to  accelerate the transition to a more circular business model in construction.

Our Day at CircularBuild 2026: Key Insights and Takeaways

by Dora Banda & Theo Simondetti • 28 September 2026
Earlier this month, Dora Banda and Theo Simondetti of Reusefully attended CircularBuild2026 in London, hosted by Architects' Journal. The conference brought together circular economy manufacturers, architects, developers, consultants and contractors to explore how adapting existing buildings can work alongside low-carbon material supply chains and emerging technologies. Here are their insights and key takeways from the event.

Why Circular Economy Matters for Education Estates

by Natalie Ibbott • 12 June 2026
Universities and further education providers have a significant opportunity to lead the transition to circularity and a net-zero future. As long-term owners and managers of complex estates, they make decisions that shape not only operational performance, but also material use, carbon impact and adaptability of buildings over many decades.

ReYorkshire to Drive Reuse and Materials Sharing in York and North Yorkshire

by Simon Guy • 13 May 2026
A new collaborative project funded under the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Carbon Negative Challenge Fund aims to drive reuse and materials sharing for the region by creating and promoting industrial symbiosis.

Creative Reuse for Furniture and the Built Environment

by Theo Simondetti • 20 April 2026
We are in the middle of a quiet revolution in how the design and construction industries think about materials. For decades, the story of a building or an office fit-out followed a familiar arc: specify new, install, and when the lease runs out or the brand refresh arrives, strip it all out and dispose of it. That model is no longer tenable — environmentally, economically, or ethically. Reusefully's Theo Simondetti explains how creative reuse is becoming a powerful tool available to designers.

Advancing Construction Circularity in Scotland

by Simon Guy • 16 April 2026
The Scottish Government launched its Circular Economy Strategy towards the end of last month, with the built environment identified as one of five areas of priority.

Planning for Circular Construction - Event Summary

by Simon Guy • 12 February 2026
How can planning policy influence and support the development of the circular economy in construction and what actions can municipalities take to support circularity and reuse? At the end of January, Reusefully hosted a webinar on this topic with contributions from more than 100 attendees who joined from across the UK, Denmark and beyond.
More posts