KARMA – Circular Economy in the Construction Sector

The KARMA project co-funded by the Interreg Europe Programme and led by the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, addresses the EU´s Cohesion policy objective ‘a greener Europe’. It targets the specific objective of circular economy by innovating and greening processes and policies of the construction sector which has significant resource consumption and environmental consequences.

KARMA is of the core idea that our current actions determine our future circumstances, and the project aligns with this principle. Embracing this logic, the project promotes a future-oriented vision for a circular construction sector.

The project partnership brings together organizations from five European countries (Belgium, Germany, Hungary, Italy, and Romania) that possess extensive expertise in both the circular economy and the construction sector. By combining their knowledge and experience, they aim to enhance regional development policies that include Regional Operational Programmes (ERDF & ESF+), region wide climate plans and strategies, as well as Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plans (SECAP).

The project strives to enhance resource efficiency, waste management, and recycling practices of public and private construction projects in the six partner regions. The interregional activities focus on various topics, such as circular economy strategies for housing and building restoration, construction and demolition waste management, new business models, procurement, and governance. Furthermore, the project fosters collaboration among local and regional partners who possess diverse perspectives, enabling them to enhance their ability to bridge governance gaps across various levels.

KARMA has been approved in December 2022. REM Consult supported the Lead Partner Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg with the project development.