In the quest to build a more sustainable future, the construction industry is increasingly looking towards the circular economy, where materials are reused and recycled to minimize waste. At the heart of this transition lies the challenge of assessing and reusing building elements, particularly steel, which is ubiquitous in construction. A groundbreaking study published recently, led by Leonhard Schönfelder from ETH Zurich, aims to tackle this very issue, potentially revolutionizing how we approach construction and demolition.
The research, published in the journal Developments in the Built Environment, focuses on creating a standardized framework for evaluating the reusability of steel elements in buildings. This framework, dubbed the Steel Element Reuse Ontology (SERO), is the result of extensive surveys and interviews with European experts in the field of reuse.
So, what makes SERO so significant? According to Schönfelder, “The lack of consensus on what information is needed to assess reusability has been a major barrier. SERO provides a clear, structured approach that considers economic, technical, and condition factors.”
The ontology establishes a common language and structure for assessing the reuse potential of steel H- and I-profiles, the most commonly used steel shapes in construction. It considers not just the physical condition of the steel but also the documentation available, ensuring that all relevant factors are taken into account.
The implications of this research are vast, particularly for the energy sector, which is increasingly investing in sustainable construction practices. By providing a clear framework for assessing reusability, SERO could significantly streamline inventory procedures, making it easier and more cost-effective to reuse steel elements. This could lead to substantial savings in both material and energy costs, as well as a reduction in the environmental impact of construction and demolition activities.
Moreover, SERO’s human- and machine-readable framework opens up possibilities for digital tools that could automate and optimize the reuse process. Imagine a future where a building’s steel elements are scanned and assessed for reuse in real-time, with the data fed into a digital inventory system. This could dramatically increase the efficiency of construction projects, reducing waste and lowering costs.
The research also highlights the importance of collaboration and consensus in driving the circular economy forward. By engaging with experts across Europe, Schönfelder and his team have created a framework that is not just technically robust but also widely accepted and applicable.
As the construction industry continues to grapple with the challenges of sustainability, research like Schönfelder’s offers a beacon of hope. By providing a clear, structured approach to assessing reusability, SERO could play a pivotal role in shaping the future of construction, making it more sustainable, efficient, and cost-effective. The journey towards a circular economy is long and complex, but with frameworks like SERO, we’re one step closer to making it a reality.
