In celebration of World Science Day for Peace and Development, we’ve brought together five experts from Reincarnate to discuss how circular construction and sustainable building practices can transform our relationship with building materials.
Celebrated each year on November 10, World Science Day emphasizes the role of science in fostering peace, sustainability, and global well-being. This UNESCO initiative highlights the importance of scientific advancements in addressing critical issues like climate change, resource scarcity, and community health, aiming to bridge science with actionable change for a more sustainable future.
This year’s theme resonates strongly with the mission of the Reincarnate project, which seeks to inspire individuals and communities to rethink how they use and value building materials. Through practical demonstration projects and community engagement, Reincarnate embodies the principles of circularity, encouraging sustainable practices that align with the goals of World Science Day.
In this discussion, our partners will explore how Reincarnate can empower communities to adopt circular construction practices and integrate social and environmental responsibility, contributing to a more resilient and sustainable world. Let’s hear their insights on the powerful role of science and community collaboration in shaping the future of construction.
Q1: As we celebrate World Science Day, how can Reincarnate inspire individuals and communities to embrace circular construction and rethink how we value building materials?
Andre van Delft, let’s start with you. How do you see Reincarnate making an impact in this area?
“Reincarnate is not only building on the foundation of circular construction by working on ontologies, AI support, digital platforms, etc. in order to facilitate organizations and people to really apply sustainable practices. Within the REINCARNATE project we are also implementing these practices in real demonstration cases and connecting in this way the world of science with the actual world of construction. And, what we see is that both worlds are inspired by this connection”
Thank you, Andre. Angela Greco, let’s hear from you next. How can Reincarnate inspire communities to embrace these practices?
“By setting examples that bridge the gap between ‘knowing’ and ‘doing’, between awareness and action. Reincarnate can demonstrate the tangible benefits of circular construction by showcasing projects that make the reuse of materials accessible and impactful. Sharing stories of generative, community-driven projects inspires others to see value in the built environment beyond a single-use lifecycle. This approach encourages individuals and communities to rethink how we view waste, ultimately fostering a sense of shared responsibility toward sustainable, long-lasting change..”
Thanks for that perspective, Angela. Dominik Czech, as someone focused on community engagement, how do you think Reincarnate can help communities revalue building materials?
“Reincarnate can influence broader social attitudes by promoting local sourcing and sustainable material choices, which supports regional economies while reducing carbon footprints. This practical, community-based approach to circularity shows that each building has the potential to be part of a sustainable ecosystem, inspiring individuals to rethink the value of materials not just as commodities but as vital, shared resources..”
Let’s move on to Ilija Ilic, who specializes in extending the lifecycle of building resources. Ilija, how do you think Reincarnate can inspire people to value materials differently?
“Reincarnate’s mission to extend the lifecycle of buildings, materials, and construction products encourages both individuals and communities to see building resources not just as disposable but as assets with multiple lives. By showcasing real-world applications and success stories, Reincarnate demonstrates how reusing materials can preserve resources, reduce waste, and lower carbon footprints. Community outreach initiatives—such as local workshops or webinars—can help demystify technical aspects and showcase how individuals can make sustainable choices. This grassroots impact can empower communities to prioritize circular construction practices and shift cultural perspectives toward valuing sustainable resource cycles”
Alicja Kuczera, as someone deeply involved in promoting sustainable construction, what role does Reincarnate play in reshaping perspectives?
“By providing information about the benefits of circular construction, Reincarnate can help people understand how reusing materials reduces waste and conserves resources. What is more, highlighting examples of interesting circular construction projects can motivate others to adopt similar practices, showing the practical benefits and innovative ideas. By emphasizing the importance of valuing materials for their potential reuse rather than as waste, Reincarnate can help change how people think about building resources.”
Q2: Why is it important for scientific projects like Reincarnate to integrate social and environmental responsibility into their goals?
Andre, could you share your thoughts on why integrating these values is essential?
“The world does not consist only of numbers and hardcore technology. Although that’s what some engineers and scientists might believe…On the other hand, the world would not have been so advanced without these. Taking social and environmental perspectives and objectives in mind, scientific projects like Reincarnate can really add value and create impact on things that matter for all of us. And achieve something that can provide great benefit.”
Thank you, Andre. Angela Greco, as someone who often advocates for a holistic approach, what’s your take on this?
“Integrating social and environmental responsibility isn’t just an addition to Reincarnate’s goals; it is essential to maximizing its impact and relevance. Science must respond to the interconnected challenges of our time—climate, community wellbeing, and resource scarcity. When projects like Reincarnate embed these values at their core, they create frameworks that not only drive sustainable innovation in the long and intermediate term but also deliver tangible benefits to society in the short term. This holistic approach fosters resilient, adaptive communities and positions science as a catalyst for lasting positive change.”
Dominik Czech, what are your thoughts on Reincarnate’s role in promoting social responsibility?
“It is important because these projects help shift how we think about consumption, waste, and resource use. By setting an example with sustainable practices, they show people, companies, and policymakers how prioritizing environmental and social values can create real change. This influence can spark a broader embrace of circular principles, moving beyond just construction to inspire other industries, communities, and even future generations to adopt more responsible practices..”
Ilija Ilic, you work at the intersection of social and environmental goals. Why is this integration so important for Reincarnate?
“For projects like Reincarnate, integrating social and environmental responsibility is crucial because the environmental impacts of construction are often deeply intertwined with social factors. Socially responsible practices ensure that project outcomes address broad community needs and contribute positively to public health, local economies, and equitable access to resources. Environmental responsibility, meanwhile, aligns with the urgent need to mitigate climate change and reduce ecological degradation. These integrated goals reinforce the project’s long-term viability, ensuring that Reincarnate’s outcomes are not only technically innovative but also aligned with values of global stewardship and sustainable development, supporting the well-being of present and future generations.”
Alicja Kuczera, to wrap up, how does Reincarnate’s commitment to social and environmental responsibility affect its broader impact?
“When scientific projects are committed to social and environmental responsibility, it builds trust with the public, making them more likely to support the project results. Addressing these issues can also lead to more effective solutions that consider real-world challenges, making the research more relevant.”
This roundtable highlights how Reincarnate moves beyond theoretical approaches to inspire practical, community-driven sustainability. By integrating social and environmental values, Reincarnate serves as an example of how scientific projects can build trust, foster shared responsibility, and create a positive, lasting impact.
With these encouraging initiatives and words from our colleagues, we close the roundtable.
Thanks for taking part in our discussions. We are glad to have such fruitful contributions to our campaign.