How green is the reuse of spaces and buildings?
Author: Marjan van Herwijnen
In many cities, population growth puts pressure on scarce urban land and affects relationships between core cities, and suburban and rural areas. Such pressure could result in uncontrolled urban development (sprawl) that is generally considered unsustainable. Urban sprawl could, for example, increase travel times and transport costs, cause pollution and environmental degradation, intensify segregation and undermine the vitality of existing urban areas.
An effective way to counteract urban sprawl and reduce environmental impacts is to reuse spaces and buildings, in accordance with the principles of a circular economy. This can be considered an attractive alternative to new construction.