The Future of Construction Is Circular.

Author/Natalia Polo — 9 September 2025 Sustainability & Innovation

A growing industry, a new way forward

The construction boom comes with a challenge

The global construction sector is expanding to meet rising population, housing, and infrastructure demands. But with this growth comes increased scrutiny: buildings and construction are responsible for nearly 39% of global CO₂ emissions, according to the UN Environment Programme.

As environmental pressure intensifies, so does the call for change, not just in how we design, but in how we source, manufacture, and recover building materials.

Circular construction is not a niche, it’s a necessity

The traditional linear model of extract–build–discard is rapidly becoming obsolete. In its place, circular construction is emerging as the new benchmark:

  • Designing for reuse and recyclability.
  • Choosing low-impact, renewable, or recycled inputs.
  • Reducing waste across the supply chain.
  • Decarbonising energy sources and processes.

This model is a strategic response to the realities of resource scarcity, regulatory evolution, and shifting consumer expectations.

An industry already in transition

Across Europe and beyond, manufacturers and developers are beginning to embrace the circular shift. New solutions are gaining ground, from closed-loop materials to energy-efficient construction systems and extended product lifecycles.

At Alier, we are contributing to that shift by building the first highly decarbonised gypsum board factory in Europe. This facility will use 100% recycled raw materials, be powered entirely by renewable energy, and drastically reduce emissions, a demonstration that circularity and industrial performance can go hand in hand.

Why it matters

Circular construction offers tangible advantages:

  • Lower embodied carbon in materials.
  • Energy efficiency during production and building use.
  • Improved compliance with ESG frameworks.
  • New business opportunities in recovery, innovation, and reuse.

These benefits are not only environmental, they are increasingly economic. Markets, investors, and institutions are prioritising sustainable construction. The companies that adapt now will lead tomorrow.

Building what’s next

The path toward circularity is complex and urgent. But it’s also full of possibilities. By investing in innovation, collaboration, and smarter materials, the construction industry can become a force for regeneration.

At Alier, we are committed to that future, providing recycled paper-based solutions, supporting manufacturers through technical consultancy, and helping shape the industry’s transition from linear to circular.

The future of construction is not just about what we build.
It’s about how we build it, and how long it lasts.

Let’s build better.

Sustainability & Innovation 9 September 2025
9 September 2025