On March 26, 2025, the European Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform (ECESP) hosted an #EUCircularTalk titled “Navigating the Circular Built Environment”. This event aimed to provide stakeholders with insights into recent developments in circular construction and infrastructure, offering an overview of key publications and fostering dialogue among researchers, policymakers, and industry professionals.
The event marked the official launch of the ECESP Reading Guide. This document compiles and summarises important publications related to the circular built environment, serving as an essential tool for professionals seeking to stay informed about the latest research, policies, and best practices in the field.
During the event, EBC had the opportunity to present the “Guide for SMEs on the New Construction Products Regulation (CPR)”, developed by EBC and SBS. Evangelia Tsiala, EBC Technical officer, explained the guide’s purpose: to assist micro, small and medium-sized enterprises in understanding and complying with the updated CPR, which also aims at boosting sustainability and circularity in the construction sector.
The participation of EBC extended to the panel discussion, where experts exchanged on how to address challenges and opportunities in the circular built environment. During her intervention, Evangelia Tsiala highlighted the crucial role of construction SMEs and craft trades in the transition to circularity. She emphasised that SMEs are at the heart of circular renovations, creating local value but requiring financial incentives, training, and regulatory support to fully engage in the shift. She stressed that SMEs are the most impacted by regulatory initiatives on circularity and need a balanced approach—one that reduces red tape while ensuring environmental monitoring aligns with frameworks like the CPR. She also underlined the importance of a coordinated approach across the value chain, connecting regulations, incentivising circular business models, and fostering collaboration. Finally, she addressed the need for stable and predictable regulations that enable SMEs to invest in circular solutions without facing constant revisions and uncertainty.
The EBC-SBS guide highlights their commitment to supporting SMEs in understanding regulatory changes, ensuring they remain competitive and aligned with circular economy principles. Currently being updated, the guide will soon be available in a new format.
To access the presentations and the recording of the EU Circular Talks, click here.
To access the ECESP Reading Guide, click here.
For more information about the ECESP, click here.
