Efficient and circular use of materials in the built heritage

This chapter examines the application of the "3Rs" strategies (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) in the built heritage, proposing a circular approach to the conservation and management of historic buildings. The "Reduce" strategy emphasizes minimizing interventions through constant maintenance and repair. "Reuse" promotes adaptive reuse of buildings and historic materials, integrating Design for Disassembly principles to facilitate future transformations. "Recycle" valorizes the recovery of construction and demolition materials, including the use of insulation materials derived from agricultural, industrial, and food waste. The methodological framework integrates circular economy principles with heritage conservation requirements, balancing historical authenticity, material compatibility, and environmental sustainability. Specific circularity indicators for historic buildings and practical application case studies are presented. The proposed approach demonstrates how the transition toward a circular model can preserve cultural value while significantly reducing the environmental impact of the construction sector.