Circular Economy in the Conservation, Restoration and Rehabilitation

This book explores the integration of circular economy principles into architectural conservation, restoration, and rehabilitation (CRR). Addressing the environmental, cultural, and regulatory challenges of the built environment, it frames CRR as a natural application of circular strategies that prioritize resource conservation, material reuse, and lifecycle extension. The volume critically examines European and Portuguese policy frameworks, adaptive reuse methodologies, and material circularity in historic structures, while offering practical guidelines for architects and decision-makers. Core themes include design for disassembly, urban mining, regenerative design, and the role of digital tools in documentation and lifecycle management. By aligning passive design strategies with circular thinking, the book highlights synergies between environmental performance and cultural preservation. It also discusses the implementation of building passports, stakeholder engagement, and the significance of embodied carbon in heritage contexts. Through a multidisciplinary lens, the work proposes a systems approach that connects material flows, policy mechanisms, and design strategies. The author emphasizes the role of architects as agents of circular transitions and encourages the integration of circular economy frameworks in architectural education. This book serves as a foundational reference for professionals, students, and policymakers engaged in sustainable transformation of the built heritage.