The Impact of Digitalization on the Sector
“Digitalization is the backbone of circularity in construction. It enables the sector to become more transparent and efficient by managing the flow of materials throughout their lifecycle. With digital tools like an online material registry, construction professionals gain unprecedented insight into the materials used in buildings, including their potential for reuse.
Digitizing material data opens a world of opportunity for new business models that value and care for resources. For example, using data, we can reduce waste and CO2 emissions by identifying the best options for reusing and recycling materials at a building’s end-of-life. This is how digital systems are reshaping the construction industry for a sustainable future.”
The Power of Material Passports
“A material registry is a system that covers everything, literally every kilogram of material used in construction. It helps quantify the environmental impact by documenting materials in both new and existing buildings.
The registry doesn’t just stop at buildings. Urban infrastructure, such as bridges, roads, and wind turbines, holds significant amounts of embedded CO2 that often go unnoticed. By registering these assets digitally, we preserve their value and integrate them into a circular economy.”
The Importance of Precision in Documentation
“While there are no strict regulations yet, accuracy is crucial for meaningful analysis. This is why our system accommodates varying levels of detail (LOD), starting from generic data (LOD 300) to highly detailed construction-level plans (LOD 400) and even as-built documentation (LOD 500).
Precise data is particularly important for manufacturers and processors who need detailed material composition to classify items for reuse. For instance, different types of concrete, plastics, and glass have varying qualities, and accurate digital documentation ensures these materials can be appropriately recycled or repurposed.”
Simplifying the Construction Process
“One of our primary goals is to make documentation as effortless as possible. A material and product management system must integrate seamlessly with industry-standard BIM models and allow for automatic data evaluation. This integration streamlines processes like certifications (DGNB, BREEAM, LEED) and compliance reporting for EU regulations such as the Taxonomy or CSRD.
While perfection isn’t the goal, starting is essential. We recommend documenting at a level that is economically viable and aligns with your project goals. Our team is here to guide and support users, ensuring they can adapt to the evolving landscape of circular construction. Through research partnerships, such as our work with the University of Wuppertal, we are continuously improving the ease and accuracy of product traceability.”
The Digital Future of Construction
The digital tools driving circular construction are transforming the built environment, making it easier to manage resources, reduce waste, and minimize environmental impact. With systems like material passports and registries, the construction sector can step into a more sustainable and circular future.
Let’s transform the future of building together!
Subscribe to our LinkedIn or email newsletter for the latest updates and innovations.
Explore Madaster’s digital solutions and lead the way in circular construction.
Connect with Fransizka on LinkedIn for more insights.
