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 Niklas Arnby, Business Developer at Ragn-Sells, and his innovation, Building Information Modeling (BIM) for Circular Value Flow Planning. This innovative approach leverages digital tools to enhance decision-making and resource efficiency in the construction and real estate sectors.

Watch Niklas’ video on Building Information Modeling (BIM) for Circular Value Flow Planning: A Reincarnate Innovation

Brief Description of the Innovation and its Role in the Reincarnate Project

Niklas’s innovation focuses on digitizing the built environment to enrich it with detailed information about building components. This data is the foundation for planning circular material flows in the construction and real estate sectors.

By creating a clear picture of the materials in a building, the innovation enables stakeholders to make informed decisions early on whether to reduce, recycle, or detoxify building components. Niklas explains that this digital approach allows for better planning and supports sustainable decision-making for the entire lifecycle of building materials.

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 premature disposal of building products. As Niklas explains, “Despite not reaching their full age of life, building products often end up in incineration or landfills, damaging the environment and consuming natural resources.”

The innovation addresses this issue by providing stakeholders with actionable insights to prevent wasteful disposal. By repurposing materials and components more effectively, it aims to find better uses for building materials, minimizing environmental impact and fostering resource conservation.

What inspired the development of the innovation, and how it evolved

Niklas highlights a major barrier to adopting circular solutions: the lack of information about where materials are located in the built environment and their quantities. Without this data, it is difficult to plan circular material flows effectively.

The innovation leverages digitalization to establish a common data language, allowing for the creation of high-quality, standardized data about materials. This idea stems from the need to overcome traditional inefficiencies in tracking and reusing resources within the construction industry.

The Stage of Development of the Innovation and Next Steps

Currently, the innovation is in the testing stage, with the team actively engaging with customers who are interested in piloting the solution in live projects. This transitional phase allows for refining the innovation based on real-world applications and stakeholder feedback.

As Niklas describes, the team is “somewhere in between” testing and live implementation, with the next steps focusing on validating the system and optimizing its functionality for widespread adoption.

A Step Toward Sustainable Construction

Niklas Arnby’s work on BIM for Circular Value Flow Planning represents a step forward in addressing the inefficiencies of 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 Niklas’  video on Building Information Modeling (BIM) for Circular Value Flow Planning: A Reincarnate Innovation

Stay tuned as the Reincarnate Innovation Series continues to showcase transformative ideas shaping the future of the built environment.