To ensure industry adoption of the demonstrated solutions, the project will support construction and design companies in educating and training their workforce to effectively utilise these new technologies. Leveraging existing regional and international networks, as well as establishing connections with new networks and initiatives, will enable the dissemination of project results to a broad audience of construction stakeholders, thus increasing the overall adoption potential of circular solutions. Tailored communication and dissemination measures will further promote project results among policymakers, the European construction industry, and beyond, highlighting the project's success in advancing circular practices in building and construction.

UNIVERSITAT POLITECNICA DE CATALUNYA

Barcelona (Spain), Belgrade (Serbia), Paris (France), Sortland (Norway), Prague (Czechia)

Vesterålen (Norway), Mille-Feuille Administratif (France)

Métropole du Grand Paris 

The overall objective of the Circ-Boost project is to enable and demonstrate an increase in the large-scale uptake of integrated circular solutions (ICS) in European construction value chains, showcased through five large-scale pilots supported by a cross-pilot digital map. To achieve this, specific measurable objectives (SOs) and results (Rs) have been defined.

SO1: Test and demonstrate the impact of market-ready integrated circular construction solutions in five large-scale pilots across different European regions:

• SO1.1 [Pilot 1]: Develop and deploy novel BIM-based selective demolition and decontamination techniques in Barcelona to allow for the valorisation of over 90% of recovered material in new high-value applications. The Sustainability Index (SI) of these products will be at least 40% higher than current best practices.
• SO1.2 [Pilot 2]: Establish a physical and digital hub in the Île-de-France region to centralise the flow of materials and waste, meeting supply and demand, encouraging alternative and sustainable construction methods, and facilitating the use of second-hand materials from deconstruction operations for new structural applications.
• SO1.3 [Pilot 3]: Demonstrate in the Balkans region the integration of multiple innovative processes and techniques to build a pilot house using recycled and reusable construction materials, including: (i) precast reinforced concrete walls with low cement content and locally sourced waste materials (e.g. fly ash, slag), (ii) foundations with 100% recycled aggregates, (iii) efficient green composite steel-concrete floor structures with dismantlable steel joints, (iv) reused masonry for infills and partitions, (v) recycled rubber for connection parts, and (vi) recycled rubber sheets and cork-mixed screed under flooring.
• SO1.4 [Pilot 4]: Demonstrate a complete circular process ‘from demolition to construction’ in the Arctic region of Norway, using waste materials from two demolished buildings and used containers from the fishing industry to construct a new GaiaVesterålen Museum for High Tech Art. The aim is to achieve a 95% recycled material usage for the entire museum building.
• SO1.5 [Pilot 5]: Expand the industrial adoption of concrete made with 100% recycled aggregates across large-scale residential projects, including: (i) subbase concrete layers, (ii) reinforced concrete walls, (iii) reinforced concrete columns, (iv) concrete floors (ground- and column-supported), (v) retaining walls, (vi) wall tiles, (vii) urban furniture, and (viii) façade panels.
   

SO2: Demonstrate and boost the uptake of innovative circular design processes and solutions by involving designers and practitioners in each project pilot. Ensure that each pilot includes the implementation of material efficiency, optimisation methods, dismantling concepts, and life-extension methodologies in the design phase.

SO3: Increase knowledge, data availability, and data accuracy on existing building material composition by developing a digital solution that integrates spatial data and information models of existing buildings. This will enable the generation of BIM-based CE passports with relevant CDW and CE indicators, aligned with the second Digital Agenda for Europe.

SO4: Evaluate the environmental, economic, and social impact of Circ-Boost solutions from each pilot through an integrated sustainability assessment based on a coupled threefold evaluation system: (i) Cost-Benefit Analysis, (ii) Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) for assessing environmental externalities, and (iii) quantitative evaluation of social impact.

SO5: (i) Connect with and contribute to relevant pan-European and regional networks and initiatives that support the transition to circular processes in the construction sector. Leverage partners’ presence in regional and international networks to cross-pollinate with similar or complementary initiatives, involve new stakeholders in pilot activities, and ensure that project results benefit construction value chains in other European regions. (ii) Pursue joint activities with CCRI pilots and fellows and the New European Bauhaus initiative.

SO6: Enhance the large-scale market uptake potential of the project’s ICS by (i) adopting and demonstrating new business models and (ii) providing direct business support to project innovation actors through strategically designed support modules focused on supply chain and market analysis, business model development, and market launch strategy.

SO7: Instruct and train local construction stakeholders (construction and demolition companies, design companies, waste treatment companies, surveyors) on the proper adoption of the project’s validated processes and technologies by offering comprehensive training materials, e-learning modules, webinars, and on-site training to systematically equip them with practical knowledge and guidance.

SO8: Address regulatory challenges for circular construction by enabling wide-ranging discussions with policymakers and regulators at regional, national, and European levels regarding bottlenecks and policy limitations identified throughout the project.

The main services and results related to the circular economy that the Circ-Boost project is expected to provide are:

• A novel scan-to-BIM and selective demolition optimisation (Pilot 1)
• A radio frequency wireless sensor for material traceability (Pilot 1)
• A digital marketplace for waste and materials (Pilot 2)
• A multi-site recycling and remanufacturing facility (Pilot 2)
• The use of recycled tyres in infill wall insulation and flooring (Pilot 3)
• The reuse of structural steel for composite decks and steel frames (Pilot 3)
• A building design approach oriented toward disassembly (Pilots 3 and 4)
• Façade units made of recycled aggregate concrete (Pilots 4 and 5)
• Technology for surface grinding and treatment of RAC façade panels (Pilot 5)
• Anchoring system for façade panels (Pilot 5)
• A novel open-source digital solution: 3D web CE map (WP4)
• Training and capacity building materials for training more than 1 000 companies and their employees in 5 European countries (WP7)
• A policy brief to address regulatory challenges and bottlenecks (WP6)
• An integrated sustainability assessment methodology (WP5)

• Final Data Management Plan (M48, Public)
  This document addresses all aspects of data management, including dataset identification, description, standards and metadata, sharing, archiving, and preservation. All planned measures will be described in compliance with Open Science policies.
• Engagement Strategy (M5, Public)
  A strategic action plan detailing the methodology to reach external stakeholders, along with a timeline, actions to be taken, and objectives to be achieved.
• Final Report on the Construction Ecosystem Portfolio (M45, Public)
  The final version of a visually appealing brochure listing identified clusters, networks, initiatives, projects, and policymakers, to be shared with and utilised by other initiatives.
• Final Circ-Boost Policy Brief (M45, Public)
  Concise and actionable recommendations based on the project’s main lessons learned, providing key inputs to help decision-makers design, adopt, and/or implement new initiatives or policies to facilitate the uptake of circular construction solutions.
• Final Networking Activities Report (M48, Public)
  A final report on activities performed, results achieved, and impacts realised.
• Pilot Deployment Strategy (M6, Public)
  A document detailing specific activities across a timeline for the deployment of use cases, including the evaluation methodology to be used.
• Final Assessment of Circ-Boost Pilots (M45, Public)
  A report listing resources used and providing an evaluation of the progress and final results against the project’s objectives and milestones.
• 3D Web CE Map Website and Handbook (M45, Public)
  The map will include existing building inventories with material data and recommendations for C&D waste management. The handbook will contain a user manual, data-sharing protocol, and a protocol for integrating other project pilots into the map.
• Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (M47, Public)
  An integrated report on the methodology and results of the sustainability assessment, including environmental, societal, and economic evaluations.
• Final Circ-Boost Exploitation Route and Integrated Solutions Business Plans (M46, Public)
  A step-by-step report outlining go-to-market and sustainability strategies for Circ-Boost’s exploitable assets.
• Training Final Assessment (M48, Public)
  A report analysing the impact of Circ-Boost trainings and workshops based on participant feedback. Includes a collection of suggestions and lessons learned for similar programmes.
• Circ-Boost Exploitation, Dissemination, and Communication Strategy (M4, Public)
  A plan to ensure strategic direction for exploitation, dissemination, and communication to contribute to expected outcomes and impact.
• Final Report and Updated Strategy on Circ-Boost Exploitation, Dissemination, and Communication Activities (M48, Public)
  A comprehensive report analysing the impact of exploitation, dissemination, and communication activities throughout the project, along with key takeaways and suggestions for similar projects, and a final update on the strategy.

• Construction and demolition companies and workers
  Join the revolution in the European construction sector toward circularity. Get involved in adopting innovative ICS and make a direct positive impact on your local community and the environment.
• Architects, designers, and project planners
  Consider the benefits of incorporating recycled and reusable materials in your construction projects and structural designs. Use Circ-Boost pilot projects as examples of successful ICS adoption in construction. Enable data-driven decision-making for sustainable construction and foster cross-sector collaboration.
• Waste treatment/recycling facilities
  Recognise that the future of construction lies in recycled and reusable materials. Leverage Circ-Boost insights to enhance your knowledge, adapt your business plans, and upgrade production capabilities to meet future industry demands. Gain insights into resource flows, facilitating better planning for recycling and waste management.
• Municipal and public authority bodies
  Contribute to the systemic changes needed for broader adoption of ICS in construction value chains. Ensure that Circ-Boost innovations address key challenges at local and regional levels.
• Environmental/urban planning NGOs
  We value your perspective: contribute to evaluating Circ-Boost to ensure that project impacts and outcomes align with your core goals.
• Civil engineering and thematic research institutes and universities
  Support us by proposing improved methodologies for developing and using ICS in construction value chains. Make use of and analyse the extensive data collected and publicly disseminated during the Circ-Boost project.
• European and national policymakers
  Consider Circ-Boost insights when developing future urban planning policies and other relevant measures.
• Citizens
  Learn about the use of recycled and reused materials in construction and the positive impact this makes toward more sustainable communities and cities. Access transparent information on buildings as material banks, empowering you to engage in waste reduction and resource efficiency in your local environment.

• Invite CCRI-CSO to join the Circ-Boost advisory board and attend project events and other key activities.
• Promptly disseminate Circ-Boost results to the CCRI-CSO to maximise project outreach and impact.
• Lead clustering activities (during the first 18 months) with sister projects (RECONSTRUCT and WOODCIRCLES) and communicate outcomes to the CCRI-CSO.
• Organise a final event with CCRI-CSO and the sister projects (to be coordinated among the three project coordinators).

• Pilot project result reports: Reports on the pilot activities (deliverables of WP3).
• Cross-pilot documentation: Detailed documentation of the 3D Circular Economy Map (deliverables of WP4).
• Policy briefs: Documents outlining optimal strategies to enable a sustainability shift in construction, addressing regulatory challenges and bottlenecks that limit circularity uptake in the sector.
• E-learning module: Based on recorded physical and remote training sessions delivered during the project.

• Regulations on the use of waste or secondary materials in the construction sector are still under development or non-existent in most European countries and regions.
• The EU Waste Management Framework has been implemented non-uniformly across Member States.
• Variations in technology readiness levels among Member States impede knowledge and technology exchange as well as the uptake of circular solutions.

• The European Green Deal and Circular Economy Action Plan are key drivers at the EU level, fostering investment and innovation in circular construction.
• The revised EU Circular Economy Monitoring Framework provides a structured and consistent approach to track and measure progress toward circular economy goals across the European Union.
• National action plans (such as España Circular 2030) are translating European policies to the national level.

• Public-private partnerships (PPPs): Collaboration between public entities and private investors. Public entities may provide funding or infrastructure support, while private investors contribute capital and expertise to the projects.
• Grants and subsidies: Explore various grant programmes and subsidies offered by government agencies, both at the EU level and within individual European countries. These grants can provide significant financial support for initiatives focused on sustainability and circular economy practices.
• Venture capital and private equity: Attract venture capital or private equity investments from firms specialising in sustainable technologies and circular economy innovations to secure necessary financial backing.
• Crowdfunding: Platforms can be used to raise smaller amounts of capital from a broad audience of individuals interested in supporting sustainable construction practices.
• Cohesion funds: In the context of EU projects, consider EU Cohesion Funds and other regional development funds designed to support sustainable initiatives. These funds aim to reduce economic and social disparities across regions.
• Green bonds: Issuing green bonds can be an effective way to raise capital for projects with a positive environmental impact. These bonds are specifically earmarked for eco-friendly initiatives and could attract socially responsible investors interested in circular economy solutions.

• Demonstrate a 15% increase in CDW recycling in project pilot regions.
• Achieve >90% removal rate of petroleum hydrocarbons and heavy metals from anthropogenic soil on demolition sites (Pilot 1).
• Achieve >40% increased recovery of structural members for reuse (All Pilots).
• Recycle 0.5 million tonnes of waste during the project duration.

• +30% improvement in citizens' perception in pilot areas regarding the environmental impact of the construction sector, compared to previous data from ex ante surveys.
• 20% average reduction in energy utilisation for buildings constructed with Circ-Boost solutions compared to the average.
• 25% longer lifespan of buildings and 90% reuse of materials post-lifetime.
• 250 000 citizens directly benefiting from project pilot deployment.
• 5 000 000 citizens benefiting from market and policy uptake of Circ-Boost expected outcomes.
• >1 000 construction workers participating in Circ-Boost training sessions.

• 25% decrease in overall costs of construction and CDW management in areas using Circ-Boost solutions.
• +10% improvement in cost-benefit analysis for pilot innovations compared with previously used processes.
• 30% reduction in CO₂ emissions for the construction industry compared with business-as-usual.
• Annual increase in value of the construction industry by 3% in regions implementing Circ-Boost solutions.
• >5 Circ-Boost solutions actively market-ready before the project ends.
• >40 construction companies and other industry stakeholders will visit the demo site.

• JP Gradsko Stambeno (City Housing Public Utility Company) Belgrade, Serbia - Collaboration in data exchange was discussed, and mutual interest was expressed.
• Municipality of Palilula, Belgrade, Serbia – Discussions are underway to arrange a meeting to present the CE Map in more detail and explore collaboration with the municipality.

• CAP DIGITAL
• FACULTY OF CIVIL ENGINEERING (University of Belgrade)
• ACCIONA CONSTRUCCION SA
• SKANSKA AS
• EIFFAGE INFRASTRUCTURES GESTION ET DEVELOPPEMENT
• DRAXIS ENVIRONMENTAL SA
• OFFICINE INNOVAZIONE S.R.L. S.B.
• UDRUZENJE EKO-INOVACIJA NA BALKANU
• UNIVERSITE GUSTAVE EIFFEL
• SERBIA GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL
• HAFENCITY UNIVERSITAT HAMBURG
• UNIVERSITETET I TROMSOE - NORGES ARKTISKE UNIVERSITET
• STIFTELSEN MUSEUM NORD
• SITOWIE
• MÉTROPOLE DU GRAND PARIS
• SMART ENGINEERING SL
• TESIS SRL
• CENTRE SCIENTIFIQUE ET TECHNIQUE DU BATIMENT
• NGE BATIMENT
• CESKE VYSOKE UCENI TECHNICKE V PRAZE
• CONTROL DEMETER SL
• SDA-ENGINEERING GMBH
• RENO-VEST IKS
• LUND HAGEM ARKITEKTER AS
• EVROBROD DRUSTVO SA OGRANICENOM ODGOVORNOSCUZA PROIZVODNJU TRGOVINU I USLUGE ZRENJANIN
• PRIVREDNO DRUSTVO ZA GRADEVINARSTVO PROJEKTOVANJE INZENJERING PENTA GE.CO. CONSTRUCTION D.O.O BEOGRAD SAVSKI VENAC