DigitalDeConstruction

Advanced Digital Solutions Supporting Reuse and High-Quality Recycling of Building Materials

INSPIRATION

Construction and demolition waste (CDW) accounts for about 1/3 of all waste produced in the European Union. Ca. 50% of this amount is currently recycled in most EU countries, however the majority of CDW is destined for backfilling and other low value applications (downcycling). In North-West-Europe countries, reuse and high-quality recycling (upcycling) of CDW remains below 3%. Poor digitisation of the construction sector is one of the key factors hindering better exploitation of circular opportunities.

INNOVATION

DigitalDeConstruction (DDC) aims to develop an innovative digital decision support system, integrating various digital tools (3D scanning, Building Information Modelling, a digital materials & buildings database, blockchain technology) that helps to define the most sustainable and economical deconstruction and reuse strategy for buildings. The integrated DDC system will enable reuse and high-quality recycling of 25% of materials sourced from deconstructed buildings. This Interreg North-West Europe funded project focuses on regions having set sustainable materials management, ecotechnologies, ICT and digitization in industry as one of their RIS3 priorities in the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg and France, paving the way for roll-out to the United Kingdom and Germany.

IMPACT

The results targeted through the DigitalDeConstruction project are:

an INTEGRATED DDC SYSTEM at TRL7, to be made accessible to companies in IT, engineering, construction & real estate sector as an open-source software package for further development and integration to market-ready products and services;
a TRANSNATIONAL NETWORK of REGIONAL INNOVATION HUBS that support the optimization, validation, and roll-out of DDC solutions;
5 PILOTS, where the digital tools are tested in operational environment;
an interactive DDC NAVIGATOR supporting the use and further adaptation of DDC tools;
Market development actions, end-user-focused training and capacity building activities boosted by innovation networks and targeted outreach activities will ensure the transnational roll-out and scaling up of project results.