Currently, Gulf Cooperation Council countries base their economies on linear models with very high levels of consumption—and they are also some of the fastest developing nations, making the implementation of circular strategies in the construction sector a necessity. Production of energy-intensive materials like steel and aluminium is prevalent, and oil and gas make up the largest proportion of the region’s GDP—and what’s more, the construction sector contributes up to 40% of all solid waste produced, with the vast majority going to landfill. In many cases, landfill engineering and management is lacking—resulting in groundwater contamination, spontaneous fires and leaching of toxic gases, all of which pose significant threats to the environment and human health. The report predicts that increasing levels of construction and development will only continue to contribute to waste production, in the absence of circular approaches.

While circularity is not necessarily common in Gulf Cooperation Council countries, some nations have implemented measures in line with this approach. The United Arab Emirates, for example, has launched some ambitious plans that implement targets on waste treatment, renewable energy and water recycling, while Saudi Arabia aims to improve waste management and reduce pollution. However, few policies exist that primarily aim to close material cycles. The report notes the effectiveness of incentives and regulations—for example, the Estidama rating system in Abu Dhabi, which aspires to divert at least one-third of construction and demolition waste from landfill, and Saudi Arabia’s green building rating system, Mostadama, which promotes sustainable construction standards. 

While some measures have been implemented, the report notes that there is significant room for improvement in this region, and that construction shouldn’t continue to account for a huge proportion of landfill waste. There is a need for strong policy and regulation that steers and incentivises the adoption of circular strategies in urban planning and construction. In the future, circular economy could be promoted through real estate business models, performance procurement and product-as-a-service models for building and construction products. Design for the future will also be a relevant starting point, along with prioritising retrofitting and refurbishment above demolition.

Photo by Sohrab Zia