We focus on circularity and take a whole systems approach, shifting how we think about materials and waste to realign more closely with natural systems.

In natural systems, everything is reused, recycled, and repurposed – energy and materials break down, then regenerate – there is no waste. By mimicking natural systems, we minimize waste and use of toxic materials, conserve and regenerate resources and energy, foster ecosystem and human health, and promote design and processes that support the wellbeing of communities.  

Waste and material use are environmental, human health, and economic issues. Circular practices reduce the impact caused by the extraction, production, and disposal of materials. They also encourage economic systems that foster community health and wellbeing. 

At Linnean, we collaborate with policy makers and building design and construction teams to adopt policies and practices that promote circularity and whole system health, and to take a whole systems lens to understanding carbon reductions. We have supported developers and project teams in creating custom health certification schemes that look at the impact of material choices, in conducting life cycle assessments to evaluate embodied carbon, and in adopting practices for building deconstruction to rethink construction waste – as some of many ways to cultivate whole system health.