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This focus area aims to map the current regulatory landscape of MCM circularity, informing new approaches and instruments that could be implemented to support the transition to a Circular Economy.
Description
PDR3E, Dr Feja Lesniewska worked with Prof Eloise Scotford from the UCL Faculty of Laws and Dr Teresa Domenech from the Bartlett Institute of Sustainable Research at UCL. The aim of her project was to understand how regulation can support the UK mineral-based construction sector to become more circular, adding and maintaining the value of materials over longer life cycles, and reduce waste through a blend of innovation in design (e.g., best available techniques/technologies), smart regulatory measures (e.g., standards, permits, and exemptions), and economic regulation (e.g., taxes and fines).
The main obstacle to achieving rapid transition is common agreement on what the most effective combination of designs and measures would be amongst stakeholders (business, government, and expert trade associations) and how to introduce them so as not to place unnecessary economic burdens, especially on small, mediumsized enterprises and local governments.
In the first year, Dr Lesniewska conducted a literature review relating to circular economy concepts and systems, reviewing relevant policy, standards, and regulations, and specific materials relating to MCMs cement and concrete.
This research informed a UK focused conceptual paper on how an integrated systems approach to circular economy policy implementation can be achieved, especially considering the powers of devolved administrations over relevant laws and regulations. Dr Lesniewska presented an initial overview of her findings at the UK-China Conference: Valorisation of Construction and Demolition Waste for Sustainable Infrastructure Development, held at Brunel University, London in December 2021.
Her work was complemented by desk-based research through interviews with key stakeholders.In addition to the literature review, Dr Lesniewska undertook a placement at the Environment Agency for 4 months. Her work contributed to the possibility of including circular economy conceptually into the first UK specific Best Available Techniques Conclusions template for all industrial sectors since leaving the EU.
She also set up collaborations with sector leads within the Environment Agency for cement and waste as well as local authority regulated small and medium sized operations to assist with identifying ways to advance circularity of MCMs under current regulations, which informed her research.