Circular Design Thinking
REFEA supports project teams in applying circular economy principles to structural and civil design - making buildings more adaptable, reusable, and resource-efficient.
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REFEA is a joint initiative by JMS Engineers and GC Robertson, promoting sustainability through smarter reuse and practical design in structural and civil engineering across Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, Essex and the wider East Anglia region.
Engineering adaptable, low-impact buildings for long-term sustainability
REFEA supports project teams in applying circular economy principles to structural and civil design - making buildings more adaptable, reusable, and resource-efficient.
We help clients reduce lifecycle emissions by prioritising longevity, flexibility, and future reuse - without compromising safety, programme, or cost-efficiency.
What Is Circular Design?
Circular design moves beyond “build and dispose.” It aims to create buildings that last longer, can be adapted over time, and eventually deconstructed and reused - rather than demolished.
For structural and civil engineers, this means designing with simplicity, adaptability, and future disassembly in mind.
How REFEA Supports Circular Thinking:
Structural strategies for long-term adaptability
Design for disassembly and future reuse of components
Use of reclaimed or modular materials
Prioritise structural simplicity to reduce material use, ease construction, and simplify future assessments or alterations
Simplified drainage infrastructure for staged use
Circular Design in Action
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We apply circular principles on projects such as:
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Residential developments that can be extended or reconfigured over time
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Commercial buildings designed with modular floorplates and flexible cores
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Retrofit-led schemes where structure is retained, upgraded, and readied for future change
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Drainage infrastructure that can evolve with phased or multi-use sites
We assess the viability of retaining or repurposing existing structural elements, helping reduce demolition waste and embodied carbon.
We design integrated SuDS strategies that manage surface water naturally, reduce flood risk, and support biodiversity.
Our engineers design structures using low-carbon materials, optimised steel/concrete usage, and efficient detailing to minimise environmental impact.
We provide structural and civil input into retrofit schemes - ensuring existing assets can be adapted and extended rather than replaced.
We work alongside design teams to evaluate carbon impacts across the project lifecycle and propose meaningful reductions at the design stage.
Sustainable Design Services
Our civil and structural engineering services support low-carbon construction, resource efficiency, and long-term resilience.
Focus Areas
REFEA’s work is guided by six core principles that drive sustainable structural and civil engineering - turning practical design decisions into low-carbon outcomes across East Anglia.
Reuse First
Prioritising existing structures and materials to reduce waste and embodied carbon.
Early Design Collaboration
Involving engineers early to embed sustainability from concept to construction.
Low-Carbon Materials
Specifying materials with lower embodied carbon and designing for material efficiency.
Circular Design Thinking
Designing for adaptability, longevity, and future reuse from the outset.
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Integrated Drainage Solutions
Embedding SuDS into civil engineering for sustainable, climate-resilient developments.
Practical Sustainability
Delivering buildable, cost-conscious solutions that meet real environmental targets.
Sustainable
structures
east anglia
As structural engineers, we have a unique opportunity to influence how the built environment responds to the climate crisis. Reuse isn't just about saving materials - it's about rethinking value, preserving what works, and designing with long-term resilience in mind. Through REFEA, we hope to make reuse a more practical and achievable option on projects across East Anglia by sharing knowledge, highlighting viable approaches, and supporting early-stage design decisions.
Mark Weston
Structural Engineer, JMS Engineers
Knowledge is key to sustainable change. Explore our latest insights and technical resources:
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Path to a Low-Carbon Built Environment
The built environment contributes nearly 40% of global carbon emissions, much of it through construction and materials. In East Anglia, reducing embodied carbon is critical to meeting sustainability goals. By reusing structures, designing efficiently, and integrating low-impact civil solutions, we can reshape how the region builds - and lead the way towards a net zero future.