In the ever-evolving landscape of construction, sustainability has become a crucial focus. One initiative that embodies this commitment to sustainable building practices is DRASTIC, an acronym for Demonstrating Real and Affordable Sustainable Building Solutions. This groundbreaking project aims to advance the construction industry by showcasing innovative solutions to reduce whole-life carbon and improve circularity across the entire construction value chain.
What is DRASTIC?
DRASTIC is a pioneering four-year collaborative project supported by the European Union under grant number 101123330. It involves 23 partners from eight European countries working together to demonstrate varied and innovative solutions aimed at reducing the climate impact of construction while enhancing material reclamation and reuse. By 2050, the project aspires to lead the way towards whole life cycle decarbonisation of the European Union (EU) building stock.
The five demonstrator projects
To achieve its ambitious goals, DRASTIC has initiated five ‘Demonstrator’ pilot projects, each targeting different aspects of building construction and renovation:
1. France: A team led by Saint Gobain Research and Ecophone is demonstrating the reuse of gypsum walls and acoustic ceiling panels for office spaces.
2. Germany: ETICS is the most common form of sustainable renovation for existing buildings, and WEBER is demonstrating a reusable form of ETICS.
3. Spain: CELSA leads the initiative to demonstrate the reuse of structural steel elements from warehouses for other projects.
4. Norway: A team led by OMTRE and Produktif is demonstrating the reuse of structural wood elements.
5. Estonia: The project, led by Timbeco, features a reused wood facade with integrated BIPV panels.
General assembly in Estonia
Between the 14th and 16th of May, the DRASTIC team convened for a general assembly in Tallinn, Estonia. During this event, we had the opportunity to visit the demonstrator project led by Timbeco, showcasing the innovative skin layer wooden prefab BIPV solutions. The assembly also featured several engaging and eye-opening workshops, providing us with valuable insights and ideas to further our project goals. The networking opportunities were immense, allowing us to connect with fellow professionals and collaborators. The event was not only productive but also a lot of fun, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose among all participants.
Madaster’s role in DRASTIC
Madaster is serving as the digital logbook for all these innovative products. Our role is to ensure that every material and component used in the demonstrator projects is meticulously documented and tracked for future reuse. By maintaining a comprehensive registry of building materials, we facilitate the circular economy by making it easier for companies to find and reuse these materials in new projects.
We are excited to be part of this transformative project as it perfectly aligns with our mission of connecting businesses and promoting sustainable construction practices. Through our involvement, we aim to achieve our purpose as the registry of building materials, ensuring that valuable resources are not wasted but given a second life.
Conclusion
DRASTIC represents a significant step forward in the quest for sustainable construction. By showcasing real, affordable, and innovative building solutions, this project is setting a new standard for reducing carbon emissions and enhancing circularity within the built environment. As a key partner, Madaster is proud to contribute to this initiative, paving the way for a more sustainable future in construction.
Ehsan Rahimi – Product Manager Madaster
