FacadeReLog

 

Title

Reverse logistics for the recovery of metals in the facade industry

Concept

FacadeReLog is a lifelong learning (LLL) education project supporting the Circular Economy transition in the European façade industry. The project focuses on the co-creation – together with industry partners such as manufacturing companies and branch associations – of an education package and workshop series addressing the challenge of establishing a reverse logistic chain for the reuse, repair, and remanufacturing of façade components, as well as the recovery of metals and other valuable façade materials. FacadeReLog uses a systemic approach to provide practical solutions to Circular Economy challenges, by exploring the different scales and angles of the CE transition as described in the TU Delft CBE diagram (Fig. 2). Through professional education workshops employees from the collaborating companies and associations will develop an understanding of the economic and environmental value of CE-inspired business models such as product-service systems, as well as gain practical knowledge on the setting up of reverse logistics chains and reprocessing infrastructures to recover their high-value components and materials at the end of their service life. This coordinated effort aims to overcome the fragmented nature of the building industry and the building construction and operation process. It aims to find synergies between companies across the supply-chain and across European borders. The long-term goal of the FacadeReLog programme, both during after the funded period, is the creation of a circular reuse and remanufacturing network committed to keeping façades across Europe in the loop.

Participants

• Technische Universiteit Delft, Netherlands (Coordinator)
• Fundación Tecnalia Research & Innovation, Spain
• Katholieke Universiteit te Leuven, Belgium
• Leiden University, Netherlands