This first publication of the CBCI project (Circular Bio-based Construction Industry) is a practical guide aimed at real estate professionals, (public) property owners and developers. This White Paper will discuss some of the challenges surrounding bio-based and circularity such as; price competition from virgin material alternatives, confidence in quality, hazardous material substance (when reusing in a circular context), lack of existing building data as well as the time delay between building and deconstruction. Next to this, the White Paper aims to illustrate how one could be more successful at taking circular and bio-based construction initiatives.

The learnings from interviews and desk research are put together in five essentials, which are explained and illustrated by insights, exemplary projects (case studies) and readily applicable solutions. These five essentials form the outline of this White Paper: 1. AFFORDABLE cost-effective & inclusive reuse, 2. FLEXIBLE prepare for future functions, 3. PASSIVE stay cool & healthy with bio-based materials, 4. INTEGRAL continuously reflect on circular bio-based benefits & 5. TRADITIONAL OWNERSHIP keep it, simple.

The thirteen exemplary cases explored for the creation of this White Paper show that it is possible to adopt circular and bio-based construction initiatives. However, it is not always easy and requires perseverance as well as leadership. Therefore, the five essentials and cases in this white paper can be used as inspiration and could help real estate professionals, property owners, developers and other interested parties in the construction sector to realise affordable and feasible circular bio-based constructions. By focusing on the essentials, one could prevent valuable resources (including energy) going to waste, today and in the future.