Event Description

The circular economy is an economic system based on the reuse and regeneration of materials or products.  While the notion was first theorized in the1930s and evolved into a movement with the book Cradle to Cradle in the early 2000s, many cultures and communities have already been following a reuse lifestyle for generations. While the circular economy relates to any type of consumer product, it can be especially impactful when applied to the buildings where we spend our time. Our buildings contain thousands of materials and products, most of which are sent to the landfill at the end of use. But there are ways in which our buildings can help preserve our health, the environment, and our culture. 

In exploring how the circular economy can support thriving communities, topics at this Inspire Speakers Series will include: 

• Where human health & material reuse intersect  
• How industries are designing products for continued reuse 
• Best practices for approaching material reuse & embodied carbon 
• What kinds and quantities of materials are “locked up” in condemned buildings throughout Greater Pittsburgh? 
• How adaptive reuse of historic buildings benefit and strengthen communities 
• The social impact related to embodied carbon