Circular Bio-based Construction Industry

Period: 01/03/2019 - 30/09/2022

 

Abstract

The European subsidised project Circular Biobased Construction Industry (CBCI) investigates how we can use raw materials more efficiently and sustainably in the construction industry, thereby reducing CO2 emissions. The focus lies not only in the construction phase, but throughout the life cycle of a building. For the transition to a circular economy, an integrated approach to circular and biobased construction is being developed, which forms the basis for the construction sector.

 

 

 

 

 

Click on the image above for the introductory video.

Circular and bio-based construction

Construction is a major consumer of materials and is responsible for approximately 33% of total CO2 emissions. In traditional construction methods, the components and materials used are often not adaptable during the life cycle, nor are they made from renewable, bio-based materials. Most construction projects are still designed in a linear way, making it difficult to reuse materials. A transition from the current linear economy to a circular economy while using bio-based materials will drive sustainability and flexibility in the construction sector.

Integral approach

In order to realise circular and bio-based construction, an integrated approach is needed in which processes, disciplines, companies and legislation have to come together. Existing roles of stakeholders in the construction sector will change, while additional new roles are needed. A holistic approach will guarantee coherence between the technical, legal and social aspects, and the business models, in order to be able to design and build in a biobased and circular fashion. The approach is that what we develop can then be made on an industrial scale.

CBCI plans to realise various outputs for the broadest possible effect on the construction sector. The project results in various publications, white papers, educational content, a practical guide and a feasibility study. This is intended to inspire (future) professionals and provide them with practical information for their own construction projects, at every stage of the process. The learning outcomes of the project and the materials developed will eventually come together in a demonstration exhibition at Camp C in Westerlo (BE). The aim of CBCI is to contribute to the application of new solutions for the circular economy.

White papers

  • The first output, the White Paper "Five Essentials for successful circular bio-based construction initiatives" can be found here. 
  • If you'd like to know more on procurement, the White Paper "Circular and bio-based ambitions in construction projects; an integrated approach to the tendering process" can be found here.
  • For rules and regulations, the White Paper "How the legislative framework can stimulate circular, biobased construction." is found at this location.

Educational content

  • The book 'Building tomorrow' features 24 educational modules - lessons on how and what to teach about circular, bio-based, and industrialised construction. The book prepares teachers in bachelor and master degrees to guide students to new knowledge. It is an online consultable book and can be downloaded for free on: https://edu.nl/cxtx6
  • Lessons for professionals, integrated in workshops can be found in the following learning network: https://www.embuildvlaanderen.be/agenda/lerende-netwerken-circulair-bouwen/

Prototyping, living labs and real life applications

In order to achieve innovation in the construction sector, the best approach and applications are investigated. Research is carried out on circular and bio-based designs and prototypes to find, quantify and uphold criteria of sustainability. Characteristic of this is the iterative approach and the involvement of a wide range of stakeholders and experts on the research domains involved.

This research focuses on 2 real-life cases. A clinic of the Emergis care institution in Zeeland and a building of KU Leuven in Ghent are being circularly renovated using biobased materials. Through the approach with stakeholders and experts, we are developing façade elements, which we will not only test as prototypes in laboratories, but we will also apply real-life in these cases.

Click on the images above to see the video on the KU Leuven Living Lab of Technologycampus Ghent (Left) or Emergis Living Lab (right).

We ensure a good learning experience and knowledge sharing by recording and analysing the various steps in the various development processes, such as workshops, prototyping, living labs and real-life cases. For the design, testing and production of the prototypes we use laboratories in Belgium (BBRI), the Netherlands (SPARK Maker Space Lab) and England (BRE Centre for Innovative Construction Materials). Prototype panels are being fashioned to test out the properties of material and construction method using the most modern production techniques and research facilities. During workshops with stakeholders, we look at the different perspectives involved in the construction process. 

Cooperation partners

Avans University of Applied Sciences is lead partner of the research project Circular Biobased Construction Industry and works together with 9 knowledge institutions and organisations. The partners are:

  • HZ University of Applied Sciences (NL)
  • University of Bath (UK)
  • KU Leuven (BE)
  • Scientific and Technical Centre for the Construction Industry (BE)
  • Flemish Construction Confederation (BE)
  • Camp C - Provincial Centre Sustainable Building & Living (BE)
  • Emergis (NL)
  • Province of Zeeland (NL)
  • Agrodome BV (NL)

In addition, there are 18 observer partners. Through the workshops, they contribute to the knowledge of materials and business models, the project organisation and the testing of prototypes.

CBCI is a project of Interreg 2 Seas and is an European territorial cooperation programme with a size of nearly 7 million euro. The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) is one of the financiers. You can register for the CBCI  newsletter to stay informed about all CBCI activities. Would you like to be more involved in this project and get to know how you can contribute?  Please do contact the project team via info.CBCI@avans.nl or directly via one of the project partners.

 

Researchers

Promotor

Official project website

https://www.interreg2seas.eu/en/CBCI