IOER Forum

Material cadastres map the location, type, and quantity of construction materials embedded in buildings and infrastructure. These data are crucial for stakeholders aiming to foster a circular economy in the construction sector, as they support informed decision-making regarding material reuse and recycling. However, developing such cadastres is complex and requires a nuanced understanding of the diverse information needs of different actors across the construction value chain. In Gothenburg, we established a material cadastre of the city using averages of building material contents. Building on this, we increased the level of details through meticulous data collection efforts. Then, we adopted a participatory approach to co-develop a digital platform that would answer the information needs of construction actors. The platform is designed to eventually allow stakeholders to input and manage their own material data, with the double aim of enhancing data and modeling accuracy, but also stakeholder engagement. This presentation will share the development process, methodological insights, and the platform’s potential to support circular construction practices.

Our Speaker:
Maud Lanau is Assistant Professor in the Sustainable Built Environments research area at Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden. Her research focuses on how to reduce direct and indirect environmental impacts caused by the development of the built environment. A central part of her research is the development and use of material stock models and material cadastres, as she investigates the different modeling methods, applications, and implications of material stock models. Her work is inherently cross-disciplinary, involving collaborations with academics in construction management, urban morphology, governance, and geotechnics, but also with construction industry practitioners. Through these collaborations, she ensures the practical relevance and applicability of her research, ultimately aiming to support a sustainable circularization of the construction sector.

Input from IOER: A National Material Cadastre for Germany | Dr Georg Schiller