In the quest for sustainable construction, a groundbreaking study led by Katrien Devos from the Department of Architecture and Urban Planning at Ghent University has shed light on the untapped potential of material reuse in social housing. Published in the journal Discover Materials, the research delves into the material composition and reuse opportunities of 23 social housing neighborhoods in Flanders, comprising 1876 dwellings built between 1945 and 2005.
The construction sector is a voracious consumer of resources, accounting for nearly half of global material extraction and waste production. Devos’s study underscores the urgent need for sustainable practices, particularly material reuse, to mitigate this environmental impact. “The widespread adoption of reuse faces several practical challenges,” Devos explains, “compounded by a limited understanding of the existing material stock and its reuse potential.”
The study employs a bottom-up approach, meticulously analyzing the material use in the building envelope—slab on grade, façade, and roof—of the selected neighborhoods. The findings reveal intriguing trends: a shift from solid to hollow clay bricks, an increase in concrete blocks, and the gradual introduction of insulation. These insights not only highlight the evolution of construction practices but also identify opportunities for material recovery.
One of the most compelling aspects of the research is the case study on the reuse potential of social housing. Through on-site dismantling tests, the study demonstrates that finishing materials such as cement tiles and façade bricks can be effectively salvaged with minimal material losses. “Reusing tiles and bricks could save 12.3% of the building’s mass and reduce CO2-emissions by 18.8%,” Devos states, emphasizing the environmental benefits of material recovery.
The implications of this research are far-reaching. For the energy sector, the potential for reduced CO2-emissions is a significant draw. By leveraging the existing housing stock, construction companies can achieve substantial resource efficiency and waste reduction, aligning with the principles of a circular economy. This shift could reshape procurement strategies, as companies may increasingly prioritize salvaged materials over new ones.
Moreover, the study’s findings could influence policy and regulatory frameworks, encouraging the development of incentives for material reuse. As Devos notes, “By understanding the material stock and its reuse potential, we can create a more sustainable and efficient construction sector.”
The research published in Discover Materials (translated to English) serves as a clarion call for the construction industry to embrace material reuse. It challenges conventional practices and offers a roadmap for a more sustainable future. As the sector grapples with the challenges of climate change and resource depletion, Devos’s work provides a beacon of hope, demonstrating that significant environmental benefits can be achieved through innovative and practical solutions.