The transition towards a circular economy is reshaping the European construction sector. As a resource-intensive industry and a major producer of waste, construction has an important role in achieving the objectives of the European Green Deal and the EU Circular Economy Action Plan. This transition depends not only on regulation and technology, but also on professionals having the practical skills needed to apply circular principles in their everyday work.
As part of the Circular Transition project, OTB Europe conducted a stakeholder consultation involving construction professionals, engineers, SMEs, VET providers, municipalities, NGOs and sustainability organisations. The consultation examined current knowledge, practical challenges and training needs related to circular construction.
The findings indicate that awareness of circular economy principles is growing. Participants commonly associated circular construction with material reuse, waste reduction, building rehabilitation and sustainable materials. However, implementation remains limited, particularly among smaller companies and professionals without specialised technical experience.
The main barriers identified included limited practical knowledge, concerns about the quality and performance of recycled materials, insufficient supplier availability, perceived costs and uncertainty regarding certification and standards. Approximately 70% of participants also reported limited experience or confidence in selective demolition and construction waste management.
A clear demand emerged for practical and accessible training. Around 80% of participants highlighted the need for applied learning, while approximately 85% preferred hands-on workshops, demonstrations, simulations and activities in real construction environments. Respondents also valued short learning formats, case studies, practical guidelines and follow-up support.
These findings reflect broader European priorities. The European Commission’s Transition Pathway for Construction identifies skills, sustainability and digitalisation as essential for creating a greener and more resilient construction ecosystem. The European Environment Agency similarly emphasises the need to scale up circular practices across European industries and value chains.
The consultation results will guide the next phase of the Circular Transition project. OTB Europe and its partners will develop a curriculum and online learning platform for very small enterprises and SMEs in construction, as well as trainers and training organisations working with them. The resources will cover construction and demolition waste management, selective demolition, sustainable materials, material reuse, legal compliance, digital tools and circular business practices.
The findings also demonstrate the important role of Erasmus+ projects in supporting the green transition. While legislation defines the direction of change, projects such as Circular Transition help connect policy with practice by developing and testing practical learning resources and strengthening cooperation between businesses, education providers, public authorities and civil society. Transnational cooperation also enables partners to exchange good practices and develop training that responds to labour-market needs. For SMEs and very small enterprises, this can provide access to useful knowledge and tools that might otherwise be difficult to obtain.
By grounding the curriculum in the experiences of construction professionals, Circular Transition aims to reduce the gap between European policy ambitions and practical implementation. Accessible training, technical guidance and stronger cooperation can help smaller construction companies adopt realistic circular practices while improving their resilience and competitiveness.