The INBUILT project: Redefining the future of building materials
Sustainability in construction is no longer just a challenge, it is a global priority. In this context, the INBUILT project was created to redefine the landscape of building materials. Within this project, ITeC plays a crucial role in developing a digital platform that will integrate technology and sustainability to address the environmental challenges of the construction sector.
Ten innovative products for a sustainable future
The INBUILT project focuses on developing ten innovative building products. These products are made from reused and recycled materials, from biological and geological origin. Not only do these materials offer an eco-friendly alternative to traditional products, but they also have the potential to significantly reduce the environmental impact of construction. By digitalising these products, they can be incorporated into digital platforms and used in construction simulations, enabling more accurate predictions of their real-world performance and enhancing their application in different building scenarios.
A digital platform in service of sustainability
One of the cornerstones of INBUILT is the development of an advanced digital platform, curated by ITeC, which allows:
- - Collecting, analyzing, and comparing environmental data on the new materials.
- - Providing precise information on the sustainability of materials, enabling informed decision-making for industry professionals.
- - Simulating alternative scenarios by comparing innovative materials with traditional products.
The platform also integrates key functionalities, such as an interactive map that locates the INBUILT project buildings and provides detailed information about them, incuding:
- - KPIs for sustainability performances
- - Materials used and their circularity values
The ability to create comparison scenarios is essential for sustainable decision-making, as it allows specialists to evaluate different material combinations and analyze their real-time environmental impact. Through comparing different scenarios, professionals can select the options that best align with their sustainability goals. Additionally, users will be able to choose the database for calculations, ensuring objective results across Europe. This tool is fundamental for measuring and monitoring the environmental impacts of buildings, fostering more informed and sustainable decision-making.
Materials with a "passport" for sustainability: how can we ensure access to information about materials over time?
The platform will feature a digital material passport, an innovative tool that provides:
- - Detailed information about the materials used
- - Their location within the building
- - Their lifespan and circularity potential
This turns buildings into true "material banks," facilitating reuse once the building’s lifecycle ends. This approach ensures traceability and strengthens sustainability at all stages of the material lifecycle.
Product certification and testing in real-life projects: how can we demonstrate the effectiveness of these materials in real-world projects?
To ensure the success of these materials, tests will be carried out in three key countries: the UK, France, and Germany. These tests will certify that the products meet high sustainability standards and will be suitable for use in construction projects across Europe.
Furthermore, these tests promote transparency and traceability of materials, key elements for building more responsibly. In this context, ITeC is collaborating on the development of a material passport, a tool designed to clearly communicate the positive environmental impact of these materials. The material passport will help enhance the visibility of these sustainable solutions, ensuring they receive the recognition they deserve from the industry and the general public.
A digital revolution for construction
In addition to developing new low-carbon materials, INBUILT represents a true digital revolution in construction project management. The platform developed by ITeC exemplifies how technology can serve as a powerful tool to tackle global challenges such as climate change and the unsustainable use of resources. This digital and sustainable approach aims not only to benefit industry professionals but also to inspire people from all sectors to understand that building responsibly is possible. With this initiative, ITeC is not only leading technological innovation but also contributing to a future where development and respect for the planet go hand in hand.
This article was written by Tatiana Quintero and Tommaso Giomi from ITeC - The Catalonia Institute of Construction Technology for the INBUILT project. For more information, please contact Tatiana Quintero: tquintero@itec.cat