Boost Reuse
Boost Reuse
Breaking Down Barriers, Creating Circular Solutions
The transition to circular construction is complex. Expanding the market for reusable materials requires systematic changes across multiple areas, from business models to logistics and technical standards.
The Boost Reuse project identifies the barriers and opportunities in scaling reclaimed materials within the construction industry. Our findings highlight key challenges, including:
- Limited knowledge of circular business models.
- Logistical complexities of material reuse.
- Uncertainty surrounding the technical qualities of reused materials.
By addressing these challenges, Boost Reuse provides actionable insights to accelerate the circular economy in construction.
The challenge
Why Isn’t Reuse Scaling?
Despite growing interest, the actual use of reclaimed materials in construction remains limited. Yet, increasing the adoption of reusable materials is critical for reducing the building industry’s carbon footprint. Without a systematic approach, the environmental impact of the construction industry will remain too high. Boost Reuse aims to change that.
To scale reuse, we need deeper insights into:
- What materials do businesses prioritize—and why.
- How key stakeholders (investors, contractors, and suppliers) make decisions.
- The economic and regulatory obstacles that prevent businesses from fully embracing reuse.
Purpose
Understanding the Barriers to Reuse
Approach
Turning Insights into Action
Scaling reuse in construction requires more than ambition—it demands deep expertise, real-world data, and industry collaboration. The Boost Reuse project follows a structured, impact-driven approach to break down barriers and create solutions that work.
We started with rigorous research and analysis, mapping key barriers through comprehensive desk research and market insights. This phase establishes a data-driven foundation to pinpoint what holds back large-scale reuse.
Next, we conducted six in-depth case studies and expert interviews, uncovering how reclaimed materials are used, where obstacles arise, and what strategies can be scaled. By learning from industry pioneers, we extract actionable solutions for real-world implementation.
With these insights, we convened workshops and roundtable discussions with material producers, contractors, investors, and policymakers. These sessions refine solutions, build industry consensus, and create a shared roadmap for accelerating reuse.
Finally, we ensure that insights lead to action. Through targeted outreach—reports, industry events, and strategic communication—we drive adoption and help businesses and institutions turn reuse into a mainstream, scalable practice.
Reach
Collaboration and Participants
Boost Reuse is backed by Realdania, DI Byggeri, and Grundejernes Investeringsfond, and is a collaboration led by Netsocietal between Smith Innovation, ConTech Lab, and Netsocietal.
Key participants:
- Material producers
- Building suppliers and advisors
- Retailers
- Contractors and construction workers
- Banks
- Financial institutes
- Lawyers
- Demolition companies
Insights
What we have learned
- Front-runners leading the way: Innovative companies are transforming the industry with circular business models across supply, demand, and financing, proving that sustainable construction is both possible and profitable.
- Collaboration is key: Scaling reuse requires logistical innovation and partnerships across the entire supply chain—from demolition firms to investors. No one actor can solve this alone.
- Barriers can be overcome: Legal frameworks, economic challenges, and mindset shifts among stakeholders are real, but they’re not insurmountable.
- Untapped scaling potential: How do we inspire more players—developers, investors, and demolition firms—to embrace reclaimed materials, implement take-back systems, and adopt Product-as-a-Service (PaaS) models?