Nordic Circular Construction

The Nordic Circular Construction project aims to promote and scale commercially viable circular construction solutions across the Nordic markets. Running from May 2024 to March 2026, and funded by Nordic Innovation, the project will help companies in the construction sector expand from local and national markets to a broader Nordic audience, driving sustainable practices across the region.

Project Background

The construction industry is one of the largest contributors to raw material consumption, waste, and emissions. As the demand for modern and refurbished infrastructure grows, the sector must transition to circular practices if the Nordic countries are to meet their environmental and climate goals. Although many companies have developed innovative circular solutions, these remain small-scale and often struggle to compete with long-established linear business models. The Nordic Circular Construction project seeks to shift the industry towards circularity by upscaling these sustainable solutions and fostering a market where circular practices become the norm.

Project Goals

The project’s main objective is to support selected companies in scaling their circular construction solutions to be "Nordic market ready." This includes helping them overcome regulatory barriers, explore funding opportunities, and implement strategic insights necessary to expand in other Nordic countries. The project will identify companies from each Nordic country, providing tailored support such as market analysis, upscaling strategies, and best practices in public procurement to help them realize their market potential.

Participating Companies

A handful of companies from each Nordic country will be selected to participate in the project. These businesses, identified through Nordic Circular Hotspot’s extensive experience, particularly with the Transition Group for Circular Construction, will receive tailored strategic advice, exposure through NCH channels, and assistance in upscaling their solutions. Between three and seven companies from each country will be chosen based on their potential and readiness to work collaboratively towards a Nordic circular construction market.

Governance and Leadership

The project is owned by Nordic Circular Hotspot, with oversight from a steering committee consisting of NCH members, including partners like Natural State (Norway), Center for Circular Economy (Denmark), Fund Forward (Sweden), Hringrasarsetur (Iceland), and Circular Innovation Lab (Denmark). The project is managed by Jan Thomas Odegard from Natural State, supported by a working group and technical advisors, ensuring that the project’s goals are met and that the construction sector across the Nordics shifts toward a sustainable and circular future.

This initiative aims to drive the circular economy forward, ensuring that the construction sector becomes more resource-efficient, reducing waste and emissions while fostering innovation and economic growth across the Nordic region.