Author: Ines Androić-Brajčić

Circular management of spaces and buildings and green infrastructure (GI) are spatial development concepts that can support national priorities, and their implementation is a precondition for tackling the challenges caused by climate change; both are elements of the Spatial Development Strategy of the Republic of Croatia, a fundamental document directing spatial development in Croatia. This strategy was adopted by the Croatian parliament in 2017 and resulted in the development of two programmes that aim to support the integration of circularity principles and GI into the Croatian planning system.

The programmes were developed by the Ministry of Construction and Physical Planning of the Republic of Croatia in cooperation with the Faculty of Architecture, University of Zagreb, and the expert consultancy Urbanex Ltd. These medium-term strategic documents will provide stakeholders with a framework for the implementation of circular management of spaces and buildings and support GI during the period 2021–2030.

Circular Management of Spaces and Buildings Development Programme

The building stock in Croatia is changing, and it includes a significant and increasing number of unused spaces and buildings. The Croatian spatial development strategy recognises circular management as a crucial aspect of development and emphasises the importance of circularity – for example reusing existing abandoned spaces, revitalising brownfield areas and encouraging a reduction in construction waste – for sustainable spatial development. The strategy also recognises the significance of increasing energy efficiency in the field of building design and construction.