May 2026
A new publication from the European TULIPS programme demonstrates how circular construction can move from ambition to everyday practice within airport environments. Drawing on evidence from more than 350 sources and validated by industry practitioners, the framework bridges the gap between theory and implementation—providing practical guidance for embedding circularity across airport infrastructure projects.
Airports as catalysts for circular construction
Airports are among the most complex—and continuously evolving—infrastructure environments in the world. Operating around the clock, they are highly regulated and constantly adapting through renovation, expansion and replacement projects. Yet these very characteristics position airports as powerful catalysts for circular construction.
Every project—whether renovation, expansion or replacement—presents a critical choice: to lock in waste and inefficiency, or to unlock long-term value through circular approaches.
Why circular construction matters in airport environments
Airports are not simply transport hubs; they are long-term material ecosystems. Every design and construction decision determines embodied carbon, material use, operational flexibility and future asset value—often for decades.
In practical terms, what is built today defines how sustainable—and adaptable—airports can be tomorrow. As Europe accelerates its transition towards a circular economy, airports have a unique opportunity to rethink how infrastructure is designed, constructed, maintained and ultimately deconstructed.
From theory to practice
One of the greatest challenges in circular construction is implementation. While principles are well established, translating them into day-to-day decision-making remains complex.
This guide addresses that challenge by turning circular principles into practical, actionable steps tailored to the realities of airport environments—where operational continuity, safety, and regulation are critical.
A practical framework for circular construction
The framework is structured around five interconnected principles that together address the full lifecycle of airport assets:
- Circular Design – shaping projects from the outset to minimise material use and maximise reuse
- Circular Construction – translating circular ambitions into measurable outcomes on site
- Smart Use and Transformation – extending the life and value of existing assets
- High-Value Deconstruction – recovering materials at their highest possible value
- System and Governance – embedding circularity into everyday decision-making processes
The framework has been developed in close collaboration with Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and Avinor Oslo Airport, alongside leading construction and design partners including NACO, BAM, Heijmans, Elioth (by Egis), and Excess Materials Exchange.
As a lighthouse airport within the TULIPS programme, Royal Schiphol Group contributed practical experience and insights, helping to ensure the framework reflects real-world constraints as well as opportunities.
Moving beyond the ‘build–use–demolish’ model
At its core, the framework challenges the traditional linear model of “build–use–demolish”, shifting instead towards an approach in which materials are treated as long-term assets rather than disposable inputs.
This means building less, reusing more, and designing with future disassembly in mind. Achieving this shift requires earlier collaboration across the value chain, improved data availability, aligned procurement strategies, and governance structures that prioritise lifecycle value over upfront cost.
From pilot projects to standard practice
Circular construction in airports is no longer a distant ambition—it is rapidly becoming an operational necessity. This publication provides a practical roadmap for moving beyond isolated pilot projects towards standard practice, enabling airports to embed circularity at scale and turn it into the new normal.
Curious how to apply circular construction in your airport projects?