Great Portland Estates (GPE) has set a new circular economy target by introducing a 'Circularity Score' to measure the reuse of materials in its development and refurbishment projects.
This initiative is part of GPE's strategy to achieve net-zero carbon by 2040 and cut embodied carbon by 52% by 2030.
The company has already demonstrated its commitment by repurposing steel from a deconstructed building for a new scheme at 30 Duke Street, St James’s, UK.
Projects starting after 1 April 2025 will aim for a minimum reuse score of 40%, increasing to 50% for those commencing after 1 April 2030. GPE's long-term goal is to surpass 60% circularity in all new projects by 2040.
Notably, 1,700 tonnes (t) of steel from Aldermanbury Square are being repurposed for the aforementioned St James’s development. This initiative is part of GPE's refined approach to constructing 'circular buildings', significantly reducing the need for virgin materials and delivering high-quality, low-carbon, climate-resilient spaces.
In the absence of an industry-standard measurement process, GPE will meet its Circularity Score targets simply by retaining and reusing as much of the existing building as possible.
Additionally, the company will engage in recovering and reusing building elements within its portfolio or offering them to the industry and maximising the use of repurposed and recycled materials.
To further drive innovation, GPE plans to convene circularity focus groups with its supply chain to further promote the circular economy.
GPE Sustainability & Social Impact director Janine Cole said: “This is just the first stage of the process. We will regularly revisit our Circularity Score and intend to develop reuse targets for specific building components with the assistance of our supply chain circularity focus groups. We will use these secondary targets to reduce reliance on recycled content to achieve our targets.
“Further, we will publicly disclose our building scores for our on-site developments and methodology as part of our reporting obligations in May 2025. We firmly believe that measurement supports improved management and that early action to stimulate innovation in our marketplace is essential."
