Developing a process for reuse in the construction industry

Reuse can effectively reduce the environmental and climate impact of the construction industry. However, although reuse is slightly growing and progress is being made in individual projects, there is a lack of a comprehensive understanding and mapping of the construction process that systematically analyses the barriers, problems and opportunities to be addressed to achieve successful reuse.

Increasing the eco-efficiency of construction is a significant challenge for the construction industry. Reuse of construction materials can reduce construction's climate and environmental impact effectively.

This project aims to develop clear and structured methods and approaches that enable construction companies, especially SMEs, to integrate and apply systematic reuse in their construction projects. The project will create a suitable process with feasible methods and solutions at the project and company levels.

Process for practical application

The project is carried out with funding from SBUF, the Development Fund of the Swedish Construction Industry, and aims to deliver:

• An inventory and evaluation of current practices for reuse in the construction process.
• A mapping and analysis of obstacles, problems, conditions and opportunities for systematic reuse in construction projects
• A proposal for an appropriate process with concrete and practicable methods and approaches that provide solutions for how reuse can be effectively and systematically implemented in construction projects.
• A practical guide describing the process, methods and solutions and how construction companies should use them.

Contributing with expertise and advice

IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute's role in the project is to participate as experts and advisors. IVL will also develop a guide to summarise the process, methods and solutions for systematic reuse.