In the construction industry, innovation is key to addressing some of the sector’s most pressing challenges. In a collaborative effort to transform construction and demolition (C&D) practices, the Reincarnate Project is developing ten groundbreaking innovations to pave the way toward a more sustainable construction industry. As part of this initiative, the Innovation Series highlights the work of researchers and developers behind these pioneering solutions.
In this episode, we feature Rebecca Markgren, former IT Management Consultant at Plan B, and her innovation, BIM Modular Dismantling Planning Methods. This innovative approach leverages Building Information Modeling (BIM) to promote the reuse of construction products, focusing on windows, façade elements, and HVAC systems, contributing to a circular construction economy.
Watch Rebecca’s video on BIM Modular Dismantling Planning Methods: A Reincarnate Innovation
Brief description of the innovation and its role in the reincarnate project
Rebecca’s innovation, developed as part of the Reincarnate Project, focuses on using BIM-supported dismantling and modular planning methods to promote the reuse of construction products. Central to this innovation is the Circular Potential Information Management (CPIM) platform, which enables architects, designers, and property owners to identify, locate, and reuse building components effectively.
The CPIM platform facilitates circular practices by providing detailed data on components such as structural condition and embodied carbon footprint. This information allows stakeholders to select components based on their reusability potential. The innovation also integrates architectural design methods developed by TU Berlin, which incorporate parametric design principles. By combining these tools, Rebecca’s work aims to extend the life cycle of building components, conserve resources, and streamline sustainable construction practices.
Specific challenges in construction and demolition (C&D) that the innovation aims to Solve
One of the most significant challenges in the construction industry is the generation of construction and demolition waste, which constitutes a large portion of landfill contributions. Valuable materials often go to waste due to the lack of straightforward processes for managing their reuse.
Rebecca’s innovation directly addresses this issue by providing a platform for stakeholders to streamline reuse processes. “Our innovation focuses on ensuring valuable materials like windows, façade elements, and HVAC systems can be reused effectively,” Rebecca explains. “In many cases, these materials end up as waste simply because there is no practical way to manage their reuse. By using the CPIM platform, we’re enabling stakeholders to access critical information like the structural condition and carbon footprint of components, making reuse more feasible and impactful.”
What Inspired the development of the innovation and how it evolved
The inspiration behind this innovation stems from the need to advance sustainable practices and circular economy principles in construction. Rebecca and her team began by evaluating existing research and identified a gap in the focus on reuse as opposed to dismantling or recycling. By collaborating with industry experts and analyzing feedback, they refined the parameters necessary for reuse, including durability, condition, and environmental impact.
To enhance the innovation’s functionality, the team created user journeys and UML diagrams to design the CPIM platform. This development process ensures that architects and property owners can engage seamlessly in sustainable building practices, promoting a shift towards circular construction solutions.
The stage of development of the innovation and next steps
Currently, Rebecca’s BIM modular dismantling planning methods are at a Technical Readiness Level (TRL) of 4 to 6, indicating a conceptual model transitioning towards practical application. While many components have been theoretically validated, further testing is planned as part of the Reincarnate Project’s demo cases.
The innovation will be tested in three demo cases:
- The Tiny House, conducted by partners at 3L.
- A Water Treatment Plant, conducted by partners at Vias.
- The Ragn-Sells Demo Case, focused on gathering building information to facilitate reuse.
These trials will provide empirical data to refine the CPIM platform and bring the innovation closer to market readiness, paving the way for its adoption in real-world applications.
A Step Toward Sustainable Construction
Rebecca Markgren’s work on BIM Modular Dismantling Planning Methods represents a significant progress in addressing inefficiencies in current C&D practices. By enabling smarter, data-driven decisions, this innovation supports the Reincarnate Project’s mission to foster a sustainable and circular construction industry.
Watch Rebecca’s video on BIM Modular Dismantling Planning Methods: A Reincarnate Innovation
Stay tuned as the Reincarnate Innovation Series continues to showcase transformative ideas shaping the future of the built environment: https://www.reincarnate-project.eu/newsletter