The European Federation of Engineering Consultancy Associations (EFCA) has issued a new position paper calling for an upgraded EU regulatory framework to accelerate circular economy practices across the built environment. With housing and infrastructure accounting for nearly half of global material extraction, EFCA emphasises that circularity is vital for resource security, resilience, and industrial competitiveness.

Highlighting the pivotal role of engineers in driving this shift, Inés Ferguson, President, EFCA, stated: “By introducing circular approaches from the planning and design stages, consulting engineers have a huge impact on the use, performance, and resilience of the built environment. There is an urgent need for better regulation, digital tools and common standards to fully realise the potential of circularity in the infrastructure sector and contribute to Europe’s strategic autonomy and competitiveness.”

EFCA points to key industry barriers, including fragmented regulations, limited data transparency and procurement practices that favour lowest upfront cost over long-term lifecycle value. The paper advocates a clear mitigation hierarchy that prioritises reduction, reuse, repair and refurbishment before recycling or replacement.

EFCA’s stance reinforces the sector’s vital role in integrating whole-life asset performance, digital tools and sustainable design standards into everyday practice.

To download the position paper, visit https://www.efca.eu/index.php/news/efca-calls-stronger-circularity-framework-europes-built-environment