This publication comes from Building Prosperity and is part of a collection of briefing papers for key stakeholders in the built environment value chain.
A circular economycircular economyA systems solution framework that tackles global challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, waste, and pollution. It is based on three principles, driven by design: eliminate waste and pollution, circulate products and materials (at their highest value), and regenerate nature. transition in the built environment presents a powerful economic opportunity that policymakers at every level can support. By 2035, nature-positive, circular strategies could unlock more than half a trillion euros annually across the built environment value chain, whilst generating hundreds of billions in wider economic benefits, with low barriers to implementation. This paper outlines how policy interventions can create the necessary frameworks, make the economics work, and stimulate innovation to enable this transition — delivering not just economic gains but also significant nature, climate, and social benefits for all stakeholders.
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Building Prosperity: briefing for policymakers is available in: English
To quote this study, please use the following reference: Ellen MacArthur Foundation, Building Prosperity: briefing for policymakers (2025).
