The built environment is one of the most resource-intensive industries in the world, responsible for nearly 40% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Building materials and construction alone account for over 11% of the total, while also representing more than half of all raw material extraction and consumption.
Construction activities generate nearly one-third of all solid waste in Canada, producing over four million tonnes of waste each year. This is enough to fill roughly 640 Olympic swimming pools. Currently, only 16% of this material is diverted from landfills, despite an estimated 85% diversion potential. This massive gap highlights both a severe environmental burden and the missed economic opportunities of our current linear “take-make-dispose” model.
A shift toward a circular economy in Canada’s construction and real estate sector could unlock massive economic and environmental value. According to the Delphi Group, transitioning the sector offers multiple benefits:
- Environmental Protection: Drastically reduces raw material waste and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
- Supply Chain Resilience: Minimizes dependence on volatile global supply chains by keeping valuable resources local.
- Economic and Job Growth: Creates brand new local economic investments and green employment opportunities.
- Community Health: Enhances natural ecosystems, creates healthier urban green spaces, and provides greater social equity benefits.
The recycling and reuse of wood, steel, drywall, and concrete aggregates can significantly reduce the environmental footprint of the construction sector while simultaneously driving innovation and growth.
With Canada currently using just 6% recycled materials in construction, scaling up circular practices represents both a sustainability imperative and a massive opportunity for economic and social growth.00