Designing out construction and demolition waste - a circular solution
Kiwis are progressively becoming more aware of the true impact of construction and demolition waste, which contribute up to 50% of NZ’s landfill waste.
At XLabs LIVE this year, we were lucky to have an exciting selection of construction and infrastructure businesses represented, working to design out waste and pollution. One of these was Beca, bringing together a team of not only their own engineers, but also representatives from Kāinga Ora and Naylor Love.
Beca decided to tackle the construction waste challenge head on, and brought to XLabs the question of how we might design out the construction and demolition waste going to our landfills.
At XLabs, we are all about loving the problem, so we are excited about the potential value generated by addressing this issue. These waste streams are often hugely complex with a variety of diverse stakeholders. In order to facilitate a complete rethink of architecture, policy, design, construction, and demolition practice, and the usefulness of materials, we have to work across industrial silos with a truly collaborative data-based approach — starting with teams like Beca’s.
“We were surprised at how far our solution developed from where we finished the Learn coursework. We feel our solution has aspects that could be implemented relatively simply now, and parts that could be transformative for the construction industry with industry cooperation.”
— Sarah Holmes, Associate - Process Engineering, Beca
The team used Circularity’s Circular-by-Design methods of Embedded Intelligence, Closed Loop Systems, and Networked Participation to conceptualise a ledger of building materials for every property, tracking them across their lifespan. The ledger would be produced via a materials selection platform, containing information on the circularity of building products, and it is envisaged blockchain technology would be used to verify data. Once a building or material has reached its end of life, the ledger would send automatic alerts to local contractors and suppliers. This kind of platform would not only divert materials from landfills, but play the role of connecting designers, suppliers, contractors, and building owners to the enormity of the issue itself, creating mind shifts along the way. It also has the potential of creating a futures market for materials as they become available, an opportunity to address supply issues and growing scarcity of materials.
“With more than a century of innovation history, Beca is excited to bring circular economies to life, helping to deliver a sustainable, prosperous future in New Zealand and all around the world.”
— Jeannine Walsh, Head of New Ventures Accelerator, Beca
Beca isn't alone in addressing this issue — one of their key moments of validation during XLabs was when Green Building Council Chief Executive Andrew Eagles discussed supportive legislative changes that the government is considering — the start of big things to come in the circular transition of our construction industry.
“Being able to discuss our solution with experts from NZ Green Building Council, Auckland Council, Greenhouse Capital (and many others!) made our solution feel like it had momentum, and could become real.”
— Sarah Holmes, Associate - Process Engineering, Beca
XLabs is made possible through partnership with Ministry for the Environment/Manatū mō te Taiao, Tātaki/Auckland Unlimited, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, Toitū Envirocare, Kantar, Callaghan Innovation, Trees That Count, Greenhouse Capital New Zealand, and Circularity.