Written by a leading influencer in the circular economy who is widely credited for reframing the concept, the book presents complex ideas in an accessible fictional story. The book significantly increases Circular Economy literacy, awareness and appeal, in particular reaching a broader audience than those who are professional economists. Enables non-economists to frame sustainable solutions in economic terms. Gives a sense of hope to widespread societal malaise and concern about sustainability urgencies.

Written by a leading influencer in the circular economy who is widely credited for reframing the concept, the book presents complex ideas in an accessible fictional story. The book significantly increases Circular Economy literacy, awareness and appeal, in particular reaching a broader audience than those who are professional economists. Enables non-economists to frame sustainable solutions in economic terms. Gives a sense of hope to widespread societal malaise and concern about sustainability urgencies.

Sustainability is to become the guiding principle of social action and economic activity. At the same time, its ways and means are far from clear. As a holistic praxis, sustainability must combine technical and material as well as social, economic, ecological and also ethical strategies, which have multiple complex interactions and all too often also conflicting goals and priorities. In no other field can these be better observed, addressed and influenced than in architecture and building. Each volume of "Building Better - Less - Different" details two fundamental areas of sustainability and explores their specific dynamics and interactions. After introductory overviews, innovative methods and current developments are described and analysed in in-depth essays, international case studies and pointed commentaries. The sustainability criteria of efficiency ("better"), sufficiency ("less") and consistency ("different") form the framework for each book. The first volume presents concepts, methods and examples of circularity in construction and the economy. Urban mining and circular construction are two approaches to the challenges that architecture and urban design are facing, using techniques such as mono-material construction and design for disassembly, and tools such as materials passports and databases. The circular economy is not solely about recycling but encompasses a wide range of strategies from local community projects to new ownership and service models and steering mechanisms such as carbon fees and dividends.

The transition to a low carbon economy will be challenging but necessary. This book makes the case for a practical education for sustainability based on exploring and testing frameworks especially the ideas and innovations behind the leading edge of design, business and industry today. Inspired by understanding living systems, this new circular economy is transforming the sense of what a sustainable future might be. Education contributes most to the future of our young people when it opens up discussion on how sustainable can be aspirational: in our view, it needs to be about 'better and better' not 'less and less'. This highly illustrated book also comes with online materials and resources for continuing professional development. An inspiring and timely book for educators.