Rethinking rural material stocks: Pathways to circularity and sustainable development for Eastern Europe

This short communication presents a framework for estimating material stocks in rural buildings, specifically addressing the challenges of data scarcity and heterogeneity in depopulating regions. Using Romania as a case study, the research presents a replicable, two-phased approach that combines com...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Cristian Toșa, Tudor Milchiș, Ilinca Mirela Beca
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2025-12-01
Series:Sustainable Futures
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Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666188825006306
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Summary:This short communication presents a framework for estimating material stocks in rural buildings, specifically addressing the challenges of data scarcity and heterogeneity in depopulating regions. Using Romania as a case study, the research presents a replicable, two-phased approach that combines community-led qualitative assessment with advanced analytical techniques. This mixed-methods approach is designed to quantify material stocks, assess environmental impacts, and identify opportunities for material reuse and recycling in a context-aware manner. The findings inform policy recommendations that support a circular economy in rural Romania, offering a transferable model for post-industrial and remote regions globally facing the challenges of depopulation and building stock degradation.
ISSN:2666-1888