In the heart of the Italian Alps, a city is pioneering a novel approach to urban sustainability, one that could reshape how we view construction and demolition waste. Bolzano/Bozen, a city known for its commitment to environmental stewardship, is the subject of a groundbreaking study led by Kseniia Shkirman from Eurac Research’s Institute for Renewable Energy. The research, published in the journal *Circular Economy* (which translates to *Economia Circolare* in Italian), offers a fresh perspective on material stock analysis and urban mining, with significant implications for the energy and construction sectors.
The built environment is a significant contributor to global waste generation, with construction and demolition activities accounting for a substantial portion. Shkirman and her team have developed a method that integrates data from OpenStreetMap (OSM) and the Urban Atlas to identify land use. By combining this data with material intensity information, they can estimate the mass of materials within structures and infrastructure networks.
“This approach allows us to identify hotspots of construction materials within the building stock,” Shkirman explains. “It’s a powerful tool for understanding the quantity and distribution of materials in our urban environment.”
The study estimates that Bolzano/Bozen has accumulated 130 tonnes per capita of building stock and 40 tonnes per capita of material stock in infrastructure networks. These figures provide a detailed snapshot of the city’s material landscape, offering valuable insights for waste management and life cycle assessment (LCA) of buildings.
The commercial impacts of this research are substantial. For the energy sector, understanding the material stock of buildings can inform strategies for energy efficiency and retrofit projects. For the construction industry, this approach can guide material sourcing and waste management, promoting a more circular economy.
“The openness and availability of OSM data make this approach particularly advantageous,” Shkirman notes. “It’s a cost-effective and reliable method for obtaining input data for LCA and waste management strategies.”
As cities worldwide grapple with the challenges of sustainable development, this research offers a promising path forward. By leveraging digital technologies and open data, urban planners and policymakers can make informed decisions that promote resource efficiency and reduce waste.
The study’s findings could shape future developments in material stock analysis and urban mining, paving the way for more sustainable urban environments. As Shkirman and her team continue to refine their approach, the potential applications of this research are vast, offering a blueprint for cities seeking to balance growth with environmental responsibility.