This open access book explores how to operationalise circular economy principles in the built environment by turning barriers into enablers of systemic change. Drawing on research from the COST Action CircularB, it examines technical, regulatory, economic, and cultural obstacles while highlighting the enabling role of digital tools, innovative business models, and harmonised indicators. The book examines how circularity is integrated into European and national policies, public procurement, and urban strategies, offering a comparative analysis of best practices and policy gaps. It also addresses the need for standardised terminology and frameworks to support the integration of circularity in design, assessment, and construction. Featuring a curated glossary of over 400 terms, the book fosters shared understanding across disciplines. Combining critical analysis with actionable insights, it equips professionals and policymakers with tools to support a regenerative and resource-efficient transition in the construction and urban sectors.

This book presents the outcomes of the 16th International Conference on Axiomatic Design, titled “Axiomatic Design in Sustainability Transitions: Designing for the economy, Society and the Environment,” held in June 2025 at Cardiff University, UK. It brings together interdisciplinary contributions demonstrating how axiomatic design can support sustainable development.Reflecting the conference’s organization around UN SDG clusters, the first part addresses decent work and economic growth (Goal 8), reducing inequalities (Goal 10), and building sustainable cities and communities (Goal 11). The second part focuses on systems that sustain people and ecosystems, including education (Goal 4), clean water and sanitation (Goal 6), and clean energy (Goal 7). The third part examines industry, innovation, and infrastructure (Goal 9) alongside responsible production and consumption (Goal 12).Together, these contributions form a structured blueprint for engaging with sustainability transitions through design.

This open access book explores how to operationalise circular economy principles in the built environment by turning barriers into enablers of systemic change. Drawing on research from the COST Action CircularB, it examines technical, regulatory, economic, and cultural obstacles while highlighting the enabling role of digital tools, innovative business models, and harmonised indicators. The book examines how circularity is integrated into European and national policies, public procurement, and urban strategies, offering a comparative analysis of best practices and policy gaps. It also addresses the need for standardised terminology and frameworks to support the integration of circularity in design, assessment, and construction. Featuring a curated glossary of over 400 terms, the book fosters shared understanding across disciplines. Combining critical analysis with actionable insights, it equips professionals and policymakers with tools to support a regenerative and resource-efficient transition in the construction and urban sectors.

This book presents the outcomes of the 16th International Conference on Axiomatic Design, titled “Axiomatic Design in Sustainability Transitions: Designing for the economy, Society and the Environment,” held in June 2025 at Cardiff University, UK. It brings together interdisciplinary contributions demonstrating how axiomatic design can support sustainable development.Reflecting the conference’s organization around UN SDG clusters, the first part addresses decent work and economic growth (Goal 8), reducing inequalities (Goal 10), and building sustainable cities and communities (Goal 11). The second part focuses on systems that sustain people and ecosystems, including education (Goal 4), clean water and sanitation (Goal 6), and clean energy (Goal 7). The third part examines industry, innovation, and infrastructure (Goal 9) alongside responsible production and consumption (Goal 12).Together, these contributions form a structured blueprint for engaging with sustainability transitions through design.