# Policies as Drivers for Circular Economy in the Construction Sector in the Nordics
## 3 Results  
### Policies  
The review of the national CE policy framework in the Nordic countries shows that the construction sector is well represented in CE policies on a national level, both in the mandatory waste management and prevention plans, as well as in other strategies. All countries present objectives or targets for the construction sector in different level policies. Furthermore, the study showed that the national policy scene in all countries was somewhat similar in respect to target setting and objectives. The benchmarking of the national policies is illustrated in Table 2. Finland, Norway, and Sweden have integrated the Waste Prevention Plans into the Waste Management Plans [46; 47; 48]. Other strategies with a CE relevance or relevant to the construction sector and CDW can represent several different types of documents, and thus the list is not exhaustive.  
The evaluation of local policies found that the transition to a CE is well presented in the local policy framework in the Nordics--mainly incorporated into a general municipal strategy, but also as free-standing strategies for sustainability and CE. The list is found in Appendix A. Local strategies often included more detailed practices and responsibilities for reaching the targets, where national policies were more general. Local strategies and guidelines can also entail a more practical follow-up system for ensuring compliance with the set targets.  
It was found that municipalities use mainly three key policies for supporting CE business models and meeting their CE targets, i.e., planning, requirements for sustainable constructions, and requirements for public procurement. As the planning and permitting of construction and demolition activities are under municipal control, local strategies and guidelines give the municipalities a good tool for creating incentives to move towards more circular business models. Some municipalities are actively involved in construction activities, allowing them to highly impact project details in construction via GPP.  
The study found that municipalities set requirements on CE solutions in construction with a high focus on end-of-life activities. The requirements of the demolition phase focus on resource mapping prior to demolition, the use of selective demolition, as well as the reuse and recycling of waste. CE solutions in the construction phase focus mainly on the use of materials that are recyclable, dismantlable, and also on the documentation of material content, e.g., in material passports, all with an emphasis on forthcoming end-of-life activities.  
Good examples of steering via policies are the City of Helsinki and the City of Copenhagen. Helsinki uses public procurement in construction combined with planning to set requirements supporting the local sustainability strategy. In the \"The Carbon-neutral Helsinki 2035 Action Plan\", the city sets clear targets for emissions reduction and defines clear measures to reach the set targets [69]. In 2020 the City of Copenhagen decided that Byggeri Kebenhavn, a major developer for Copenhagen, would address CE in all construction projects. The City of Copenhagen has developed guidelines to support and facilitate the implementation of the local CE strategy and setting requirements for sustainable constructions [70].