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, Reincarnate 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 Brian van Laar, PhD researcher from Delft University of Technology, and his innovative research on Strategic Circular Decision-Making for Real Estate Assets. This innovation presents a comprehensive framework for tackling obsolescence in buildings while significantly reducing waste in the C&D sector.

Watch Brian’s video on Strategic Circular Decision-Making for Real Estate Assets!

Brief description of the innovation and its role in the Reincarnate project

Brian’s innovation tackles a critical issue in the construction industry: the high volume of waste generated by demolition. Construction and demolition waste accounts for approximately 25-30% of all waste in Europe, with the average lifespan of buildings being only 39 years. Obsolescence, rather than physical wear and tear, is often the driving factor behind premature demolition.

The Strategic Circular Decision-Making for Real Estate Assets framework introduces a three-step decision-making process designed to guide building owners and real estate managers in extending the lifespan of their properties while reducing waste:

  1. Select an Intervention Direction: Evaluate the building’s current condition and choose between renovation or adaptive reuse.
  2. Develop Future Scenarios: Envision possible paths forward based on the building’s potential and stakeholder needs.
  3. Evaluate and Implement Reuse Strategies: Identify and execute the most viable strategies for repurposing building components or the entire structure.

By focusing on these steps, the framework equips stakeholders with actionable tools to make informed decisions that balance economic and environmental considerations.

Specific challenges in construction and demolition (C&D) that the innovation aims to solve

Brian’s work is inspired by the contrast between buildings demolished prematurely and historic structures that have stood for centuries. “Seeing so many buildings demolished before reaching the end of their physical lifespan motivated us to develop a preservation process that is easy and accessible,” he explains. The goal is to start with the building “as it is” and empower property owners with methods to craft future-oriented scenarios that align with their goals.

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

Brian’s innovation is driven by a desire to lower waste and extend building lifespans. By observing cases where buildings are demolished due to obsolescence rather than structural limitations, the team was motivated to create a framework that makes preservation simpler and more accessible. The idea evolved from understanding the gap in tools available to building owners and managers for evaluating and implementing circular strategies.

The stage of development of the innovation and next steps

Currently, the innovation is in the testing phase. Brian and his team are evaluating specific renovation and reuse scenarios tailored to the needs of stakeholders in a demonstration project. While the framework itself is complete, its practical application is now being fine-tuned to ensure it meets real-world demands. The coming months will see a deeper exploration of these applications, providing valuable insights to further refine the model.

A Step Toward Sustainable Construction

Brian’s work on Strategic Circular Decision-Making for Real Estate Assets exemplifies the mission of the Reincarnate Project: to transform C&D practices and foster a more sustainable built environment. By addressing the root causes of waste and obsolescence, this innovation offers a path toward greater circularity in the construction sector.

Watch Brian’s video on Strategic Circular Decision-Making for Real Estate Assets!