Innovative, resource-efficient and human-centric assembly and disassembly for sustainable construction

Cities, the living place of 75% of European population, are crucial for sustainable transition in a just society. Therefore, the EU has launched a Mission for 100 Climate-Neutral Smart Cities (100CNSC). Construction is a key industry in making cities more sustainable. Currently, construction consumes 50% resources, uses 40% energy, and emits 36% greenhouse gasses. The sector is not cost-efficient, not human-friendly, and not healthy – it is negatively known for “3D: dirty, dangerous, demanding”. As such, the construction sector is not attractive for educated and skilled young professionals that are needed for the sustainable transition and for resolving the housing crisis.
In contrast with the non-circular designs, materials and techniques that are still common in the construction industry, some other industries and fields have cultivated higher standards for sustainable products, especially in clean and efficient assembly and disassembly. Examples can be found in the maritime and off-shore industry, smart manufacturing, small electronics, and retail.
The Hague University of Applied Sciences (THUAS) aims to become the leader of a strong European consortium for preliminary research to develop knowledge that is needed for the upcoming Horizon Europe proposal (within Cluster 4, Destination 1 - Re-manufacturing and De-manufacturing technologies) in relation with the EU Mission 100CNSC.
The goals of this preliminary research are: (a) to articulate new concepts that will become an input for a new research proposal and (b) to organize a high-quality European consortium with high-quality partners for a lasting collaboration. This preliminary research project focuses on the question:
How can the construction sector adopt and adapt the best practices in assembly and disassembly from other industries –including maritime, manufacturing and retails– in order to enhance circular urban construction and renovation with an active involvement of educated and skilled young professionals?