Preface

Launched in 2021, the Nordic Networks for Circular Construction (NNCC) was a strategic multi-annual initiative funded by the Nordic Council of Ministers. Its aim was to spearhead the adoption of circular economy principles within the construction sectors of Nordic countries, aimed to make the region a leader in sustainable and competitive construction and housing by 2030 with minimised environmental and climate impact.

The project was coordinated by the Ministry of Environment in Finland and ran from 2021-2024. Other partners involved in the project were the Swedish National Board of Housing, Building and Planning; the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment in Finland, the Ministry of Education and Culture in Finland; the Norwegian Building Authority; the Housing and Construction Authority of Iceland.

The project was structured based on the following focus areas:

This Executive Report seeks to synthesise the essential findings from these themes and distil them into actionable insights and strategic recommendations to further advance circular construction practices across the Nordic region. Additionally, it aims to align these initiatives with other relevant projects funded by the Nordic Council of Ministers, such as the Nordic Sustainable Construction and the Nordic Carbon Neutral Bauhaus, ensuring coherent integration into the broader NCM decision-making framework.