The Kongsvingerregion had a sustainability strategy with clear goals, however they didn't have an action plan on how to reach set goals. The region is known for their forestry and construction industry but was experiencing many young people moving away from the region to work in bigger cities. The region was looking for a tool that could help them reach their sustainability goals, while strengthening their work force.

Through a Circle City Scan, The Kongsvingerregion was able to get a clear overview of all stakeholders in the construction value chain, local and national strategies for circularr economy and materiaflow in the sector.

In phase 1 the focus was to analyse the current socio economic trends in the region. There we found that the region has clear strategic goals to become a zero emission region by 2050, but they lacked the action plans.

Phase 2 was a materialflow and building stock analysis. The analysis show that even though the region is rich in forest and timber, they import a large amount of timer from abroad. The waste generation from construction industry is also typically high.

Based of findings if phase 2, phase 3 and 4 was spent on developing circular pilot projects and actions plan that would increase the circularity of the construction sector by reusing more matierials, shorten the value chain and increase knowledge.

Decisions were made to focus on three perspectives, material, market and education resulting in 3 pilot projects focusing on one perspective each. Additionally, local interest group started a circular housing pilot.

Regional construction network and digital marketplace

Focusing on interior and office furniture - started mapping all the furniture available and in discussion with company to redesign and refurbish. Received funding in March 2021.

Demolition waste as a resource

Have completed a mapping of materials and resources for reuse. Received funding in March 2021.

Circular public procurement

Project started in March 2021, will shadow regular procurement process to learn and develop circular procurement criteria. Received funding in March 2021.

O-House - circular housing for young adults

Established collaboration with local high school, students in construction and carpentry are building the pilot house using wood beams from deconstructed barn and concrete with 100% recycled materials.