AMMAN — As Jordan faces increasing environmental pressures, resource constraints and rising urban development, the concept of the circular economy is attracting growing interest among policymakers and urban planners. Circular economy expert Malek Ghazo discussed the approach during a recent event, outlining how it could be applied across cities and sectors.

 

“The circular economy is about maximising the value of resources at every level; city, nation and globally, so that nothing is treated as waste,” Ghazo said during a recent event. “Through reuse, repair, refurbishment, remanufacturing and recycling, we can redesign our economic system to serve both people and the environment.”

 

Rethinking how cities function

 

According to Ghazo, the circular economy represents a shift away from the traditional linear model of development based on extraction, consumption and disposal. Instead, it promotes an approach in which materials are kept in use for longer periods.

 

“We are moving beyond conventional sustainable cities that focus mainly on reducing environmental impacts,” he said. “The aim is to develop circular cities where waste is minimised and by-products are reintegrated into the urban system.”

 

He added that this approach requires changes in how cities are designed, constructed and managed throughout their lifecycle.

 

Ghazo said the construction sector plays a central role in any transition toward a circular economy.

 

“Globally, around 50 per cent of raw resources are consumed by the building and construction sector,” he noted. “At the same time, the sector accounts for about 40 per cent of global waste and nearly 38 per cent of carbon emissions.”

 

“These figures highlight the scale of the challenge,” he said, adding that construction practices will significantly influence the sustainability of future cities.

 

He pointed to potential environmental benefits, noting that adopting circular economy principles could reduce carbon emissions from buildings by up to 75 per cent.

 

Global, regional momentum

 

At the international level, Ghazo said the European Union has incorporated circular economy principles into policy and regulatory frameworks.

 

“Europe began developing its circular economy roadmap in 2020, with targets extending to 2030 and beyond,” he said, noting that the approach includes both large companies and small and medium-sized enterprises.

 

He added that European efforts increasingly emphasise measurable outcomes rather than symbolic commitments.

 

Cities such as Amsterdam and London, he said, provide examples of how circular principles are being applied in practice, including prioritising resource efficiency and adapting existing buildings instead of replacing them.

 

In the Arab region, Ghazo highlighted the United Arab Emirates’ Circular Economy Policy 2031, which aims to support economic growth while reducing environmental pressures.

 

He said Jordan has also taken steps in this direction, citing the National Green Economy Plan 2021–2025 and the Economic Modernisation Vision 2033, which align with circular economy concepts.

 

“These strategies provide a policy foundation,” he said, adding that implementation will be key to translating plans into outcomes.

 

From waste to value

 

Ghazo said design plays an important role in enabling circular practices, including designing buildings in ways that allow materials to be reused at the end of their life.

 

He also referred to digital “materials passports” as a tool for tracking building components and supporting future reuse.

 

In addition, he noted that a large proportion of construction waste, including wood, metals and concrete, can be recycled or repurposed, along with certain industrial by-products.

 

Ghazo said circular economy activities could contribute to Jordan’s economic modernisation goals, particularly in areas such as maintenance, repair and refurbishment.

 

He added that circular construction practices could also create opportunities for developing local industries related to sustainable building materials.

 

Ghazo said advancing circular economy principles would require coordination among policymakers, industry professionals and the public, including updates to building codes and greater emphasis on adaptable design.

 

“The circular economy is increasingly being discussed as a practical approach to urban development,” he said, adding that Jordan has the capacity to build on existing strategies.