The whole lifecycle of construction materials will be digitized allowing the tracking and sharing of material info and together with the extensive use of digital tools to support the design, construction and deconstruction phases will allow impact and waste minimization. These innovations will be applied to both onsite and prefabricated construction approaches while AI-based solutions will be used to establish stable regional supply chains of waste materials.    

RECONSTRUCT will demonstrate its approach through the construction of two real-scale demonstrators and set up regional Circular Construction Clusters incorporating all the local value chain. By doing so, RECONSTRUCT aims to achieve a step-change in material consumption and carbon footprint by reducing waste generated during construction by 90%, developing materials with up to 0% virgin content, reducing the carbon footprint of buildings by 50% and increasing recycling to 90%.    

ITeC - The Catalonia Institute of Construction Technology

Barcelona (Spain), Brussels (Belgium)

Catalonia and Brussels-Capital Region.

Barcelona and Brussels

RECONSTRUCT aims to revolutionize construction by developing low-carbon materials, digitizing the material lifecycle, and promoting circular economy principles. It utilizes AI for sustainable supply chains, showcases innovations in two real-scale projects, and targets a 50% reduction in carbon footprint, a 90% cut in waste, and 90% material recycling. Collaboration and policy engagement are integral to this ambitious effort to transform construction for sustainability. The project encompasses eight primary objectives:  

1. Automate and accelerate the sourcing of secondary materials, like CDW and other waste  
2. Develop and produce recyclable construction concrete that contains zero virgin resources on an industrial scale.  
3. Design and manufacture construction components that can be fully reused and/or recycled.  
4. Support and enable the design, construction, and deconstruction of fully circular buildings.  
5. Use RECONSTRUCT innovations to design and build two real-scale fully circular buildings.  
6. Calculate RECONSTRUCT´s current and future environmental, economic & social impacts.  
7. Facilitate the replication of RECONSTRUCT´s approach and the uptake of its innovations.  
8. Ensure the effective dissemination, communication, and exploitation of the project´s results.   

In alignment with its main objectives related to Circular Economy:   

• Digital System for sourcing secondary materials (AI-based image processing algorithms, Portable Hyperspectral Imaging Solutions, Urban-Industrial Symbiosis Software),   
• Circular Construction Materials (Alkali Active Cement from recycled and waste materials, Textile Reinforced Concrete from recycled and waste materials)   
• Circular construction components (precast concrete elements with recycled content, reusable floor elements with recycled content, AACC-based structural in situ and precast elements)   
• Digital solutions for material flows and digital twinning (tracking and Tracing System, Digital product passport, Dynamic 6D-BIM, Building material passport),   
• Framework for Circular construction including Digital stakeholder platform, dissemination of circular knowledge, comprehensive studies on circular construction methods and materials, circular business models, (De)construction protocol, ongoing monitoring of circularity metrics, support for circular building design, and the facilitation of regional Circular Construction Clusters.   

D1.1 Definition of AI-based tools, PU – Public M6: Define the requirements & specifications for the design of the AI-based sourcing modules.  

D1.2 Image processing tools, SEN - Sensitive M18: Key advancements for the CDW geolocation and quantification using satellite, CCTV & drone data.  

D1.3 Portable real time optical monitoring solutions for CDW characterization, SEN - Sensitive M18:   Development of IR+HSI-system (included camera, algorithm and software) for the CDW characterisation.   

D1.4 Decision–Support tool for CDW valorisation, SEN - Sensitive M24: Development of an UIS tool & optimisation algorithm to identify different valorisation flows for CDW.  

D1.5 Results of AI tools testing, PU - Public M24: Results of data collection/analysis.  

D2.4 Final construction elements, SEN - Sensitive M36: Development and test of Industrial production process of all elements.   

D3.1 Digital Product Passport, SEN - Sensitive M18:  Development of the DPPs of each construction element  

D3.2 Traceability Module, SEN - Sensitive M36:  Development of a Blockchain-based tracing system  

D3.3 Building Material Passport, SEN - Sensitive M36, Development of BMPs for both demos.   

D3.4 BIM-based Digital Twin, SEN - Sensitive M36, Development of a tool that integrates the project solutions into a dynamic 6D-BIM model in an existing commercial BIM platform (OpenBIM), provides options and alternatives to design and works also as a decision-making tool.  

D3.5 RECONSTRUCT ́s SaaS, SEN - Sensitive M36, Development of RECONSTRUCT software platform and user manual to implement the project services.   

D5.3 Circularity assessment, PU - Public M42, Report of the degree of circularity in the management of material resources invested in the construction, maintenance, adaptation, rehabilitation, deconstruction of pilots and re-introduction of CDW materials.   

D6.1 SI & Circular Construction, PU - Public M9, Report about our approach to creating sustainable social innovations awareness in the local communities, evaluate the acceptance of the RECONSTRUCT solutions and circularity framework, and creation of a guide for future replication.  

D6.2 Social aspects of CC, PU - Public M24, Results from the social research, acceptances and perceptions about circular construction practices.  

D6.3 Circular business models, PU - Public M42, Development of business models based in RECONSTRUCT concepts. Replication of these models to other regions. Results from business modelling (T6.3).   

D6.4 Regional circular roadmaps and final policy brief, PU - Public M42, Policy recommendations at a regional, national level, and European level. Details for the demo’s regions. Analysis of polity instruments and financial circularity practices. Classification system for sustainable activities.

D6.5 Circular Construction Guide, PU - Public M48, Development of a framework for Circular construction based in the experiences of all partners, and taking into consideration, the technical, economic, organisational, social, regulatory and political context of the construction sector. Results of the Circular Construction Radar, and synthesis of outputs from WP6.   

D7.6 Circular construction cluster, PU public M30, Detailed updates will be provided on the activities carried out between the Barcelona and Brussels clusters with CCRI members. The virtual spaces and modules within the Stakeholder platform will be set up and publish the common results, recommendations, and feedback to the CCRI-CSO.  

RECONSTRUCT will build two demonstrators, each representing a distinct construction philosophy. We have adopted this approach in order to explore, validate and compare the potential for circularity both for traditional, onsite construction methods (by far the dominant construction approach in Europe) and for Modular Prefabricated construction, an approach that is increasingly gaining ground.  However, recognizing that in Europe a lot (perhaps a majority) of the opportunities in construction lie outside of new builds and commercial uses, RECONSTRUCT will not settle for these demonstrators and will test the reusability/recyclability of its materials and components in commercial projects covering new build and renovation in a wide range of uses (infrastructure, housing, industrial, etc.).   

While the above demonstrators are envisioned to validate in real scale the applicability, performance and scalability of the circular materials, components, tools, and methods developed in the project, RECONSTRUCT will also demonstrate their ability to serve a second life through recycling or reuse. Furthermore, while the demonstrators cover commercial and multifunctional use scenarios, it is also necessary to demonstrate the transferability of the materials and components developed to other types of construction activities. To achieve these objectives, RECONSTRUCT will utilize the “waste” materials and components produced throughout the project, and specifically during the development and production of materials and components for the demonstrators and the upgrading process of the demonstrators (especially the Belgian one).  

The consortium includes partners with big portfolios of construction projects (both new builds and renovations) in a variety of sectors including housing (INC), infrastructure (COM), urban environment (SOR) and even industrial applications (HOL). During the project, and as the expected excess materials and components from the projects´ development and upgrading activities become increasingly defined, second life pathways will be assessed using the projects´ digital tools and ongoing commercial projects where these components and materials could find use will be sought and pursued. Because of the unknowns and uncertainties regarding the type of commercial activities underway 3-4 years from the submission of this proposal, as well as the uncertainties regarding the quality and quantity of excess materials and components, it is not possible to provide a precise description of these recycling and reuse case studies. However, applications in all the aforementioned sectors will be sought (housing, infrastructure, urban environment, and industrial applications; both new build and renovation) and the wide range of commercial activities of the aforementioned partners serve as a guarantee that many opportunities will be found.  

RECONSTRUCT will collaborate with the CCRI-CSO by sharing key project advancements, particularly on circular materials, prefabrication solutions, and circular business models, when relevant deliverables are achieved. Interaction with other CCRI projects will facilitate knowledge exchange and synergies, enhancing the market uptake of circular solutions. Additionally, engagement with the CCRI network will support the validation and scalability of RECONSTRUCT outcomes, while also contributing to the broader dissemination of best practices in circular construction. 

D7.3 Cluster-building action plan, PU - Public M9, Development of the plan action to create the Circular Construction Clusters in Brussels and Barcelona. Clusters plan actions and activities. Registration in the Circular Cities & Regions Initiative (CCRI)  

D7.4 Stakeholder platform, PU- Public M24, Definition of services and functionalities of the stakeholder platform. Development of the platform. 

D7.6 Circular construction cluster, PU - Public M30, Detailed updates will be provided on the activities carried out between the Barcelona and Brussels clusters with CCRI members. The virtual spaces and modules within the Stakeholder platform will be set up and publish the common results, recommendations, and feedback to the CCRI-CSO.  

D7.8 First policy brief, PU - Public M26, A concise and easy-to-consult summary for policy- and decision-makers, collecting the key insights after the end of the first development phase of RECONSTRUCT for immediate integration into existing policy agendas.   

D6.4 – Regional circular roadmaps and final policy brief, PU- Public M42, Policy recommendations at a regional, national level, and European level. Details for the demos regions. Analysis of polity instruments and financial circularity practices. Classification system for sustainable activities.  

D6.5 Circular Construction Guide, PU - Public M48, Development of a framework for Circular construction based in the exeriences of all partners, and taking into consideration, the technical, economic, organisational, social, regulatory and political context of the construction sector. Results of the Circular Construction Radar, and synthesis of outputs from WP6.   

• Lack of Standardization: In many cases, there is a lack of standardized regulations and definitions for circular construction materials and practices. The absence of clear definitions can hinder the adoption and scaling of circular solutions.  
• Lack of emphasis on material efficiency:  Historically, the construction industry has primarily prioritized energy efficiency during a building's operational phase, rather than emphasizing the efficient use of materials throughout a structure's entire lifecycle.  
• Financial and resource constraints: Tight budgets and schedule constraints for some projects hinder the adoption of circular practices.  
• Building Codes and Regulations: Existing building codes and regulations may not accommodate or incentivize circular construction practices. Regulations that prioritize traditional construction methods and materials can be a significant bottleneck.  
• Waste Management Regulations: The construction industry generates a substantial amount of waste, and waste management regulations may not encourage or facilitate recycling and reuse. This can hinder the incorporation of construction and demolition waste (CDW) into circular practices.  
• Product Certification and Testing: For new low-carbon construction materials and components to be adopted, they must meet certain certification and testing standards. The regulatory process for approving such materials can be slow and cumbersome.

• National Circular Economy Strategies: Many countries have developed their own national circular economy strategies and action plans. These strategies outline specific goals and initiatives for promoting circular practices in the construction sector with targets like reducing waste, increasing recycling rates, and encouraging sustainable material choices in construction projects.  
• Construction Waste Management Regulations: Most of the governments have implemented regulations that require proper management of construction and demolition waste (CDW). These regulations may include mandatory sorting and recycling of CDW, encouraging the reuse of construction materials, and setting targets for reducing CDW sent to landfill.   
• Tax Incentives and Grants: Financial incentives are offered to construction companies adopting circular practices.  
• Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Laws: Some countries have introduced EPR laws specific to the construction sector. These laws make manufacturers responsible for the end-of-life management of their construction products, promoting designs that facilitate reuse and recycling.  

Rethinking construction business models is necessary to incorporate circularity into the built environment. The mainstream construction business model is based on the ownership of materials and components for a certain period of time before they reach the end of its useful life and are discarded. The project will support change through the application of platform as a service (PaaS) business model would facilitate the reuse of materials and components, as well as recycling at the EoL by providing a flexible BM.  

When the KER list is finalized (M36 of the project) KER owners will be called to formulate a business plan for the exploitation of their KER taking into consideration the defined IPR protection and exploitation strategies. The business model canvas will be used as a template and, where appropriate, the circular business canvas will be used. At the end of the project each KER will have its own canvas, a roadmap to exploitation with defined phases and milestones and where necessary, an IPR agreement between owners.  

• Lower the use of primary non-renewable raw materials.  
• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions.  
• Reduce Other Negative Environmental Footprints (Beyond GHG Emissions) through Circular Materials and Low-Footprint Construction  
• Increased deployment and market uptake of innovative climate-neutral circular solutions for construction, waste prevention, lifetime extension, and significant improvement of lifecycle performance of buildings and their components, including GHG emissions.  
• Increased recovery and recycling rates of construction and demolition waste.  
• Increased upcycling of reused and recycled material in construction materials, products, and buildings.  
• Increased knowledge about the overall environmental footprint of buildings and construction materials, including the integrated assessment of material and energy efficiency with regard to possible trade-offs and synergies, and increased practical application of the Commission's PEF method.  
• Develop recycling technologies and industrial symbiosis.  

• Increase circular practices in construction.  
• Inclusive engagement of all stakeholders.

• Increased deployment and market uptake of innovative climate-neutral circular solutions for construction, waste prevention, lifetime extension, and significant improvement of lifecycle performance of buildings and their components, including GHG emissions.  
• Enhanced diffusion and demonstrated benefits of advanced digital solutions, ensuring coherence with other initiatives such as digital logbooks for logistics of construction materials and the energy-efficient operation of buildings.  

RECONSTRUCT engages a broad network of stakeholders across the construction value chain to ensure the adoption and scalability of circular solutions. Key stakeholders include concrete manufacturers, prefabricated material producers, building companies, urban miners, and resellers of reclaimed materials, as well as associations, federations, and industry clusters. The project also collaborates with manufacturers, engineering offices, contractors, design firms, software developers, and technology service providers (both hardware and software). Additionally, public authorities and policymakers play a crucial role in supporting regulatory frameworks and market uptake. By engaging downstream actors, RECONSTRUCT fosters innovation and accelerates the transition to circular construction. 

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