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Description
This project aims to stimulate the circular economy in Construction by introducing a Construction Information Classification System optimized for Sustainability (CICS) based on the principles of Circular Economy. This system will be used by project and construction professionals and those responsible for the management and maintenance of Portuguese-speaking buildings and will allow the terminology to be unified at all scales, facilitating communication between assets, selection of materials and components, as well as an accurate assessment impacts on buildings throughout their life cycle. The ultimate goal of the project is to reduce construction and demolition waste through the selection, use and management of construction materials and construction elements with less environmental impact.
Challenge
The Architecture, Engineering, Construction and Operation (AECO) economic sector represents around 10% of European GDP. However, it has a disproportionate energy consumption and environmental impact: half of energy and raw materials consumption, one third of water consumption and 40% of greenhouse gases. While other industries have been looking for innocuous materials and are betting on reduction and reuse, the AECO industry resists innovating and adopting best practices.
The professional community has an urgent and urgent need for a CICS that can be applied in projects of all scales, national and international. However, the small size of the companies does not allow them that development, and the larger ones do not share what they consider to be a competitive advantage. On the other hand, sustainable construction is not yet a priority in this sector.
Approach
The BIM methodology is at the heart of the modernization of the construction sector. BIM allows the digital representation of buildings, associating the 3D geometric description with the various information on building materials and components, functions, activities and spaces. First, the model is built with modeling software, which feeds energy simulations, life cycle analysis, conflict detection, quantification, programming or building management. The implementation of BIM in Portugal is a reality and our professionals have long asked for a National Classification System.
The association of a CICS to BIM aims to create codes and standard descriptions that characterize the design and construction phases (including information organization and structuring, cost quantification, specifications, etc.). This univocal classification of materials, elements, systems, spaces and activities is essential for the use of BIM models efficiently throughout the life cycle, from project to demolition.
Impact
This project is structuring for the sector, applying a very pragmatic approach: it will provide a CICS that in addition to help with quantitative surveying, budgeting and facility management will assist in making project decisions and raise awareness of the choice of more sustainable materials and components while performing energy analysis, LCC, GWP, etc., to meet current and future needs.
Researchers
Partners
ISTAR-IUL – Leader
A Lab Architects (Norway)
Laboratório Nacional de Engenharia Civil
Marta Campos Arquitectos
Universidade do Minho
Financing
Funding Entity
European Economic Area (EEA) Financial Mechanism 2014-2021
Environment, Climate Change and Low Carbon Economy Programme
Call#2 – Projects for promoting the Circular Economy in the Construction Sector
Funding Amount (Global) – €303.915,71
Funding Amount (Local) – € 95.040,23
