Within the framework of the SIRCULAR and INBUILT projects, on September 30, the ITeC headquarters hosted the Workshop on Concrete Solutions to the Challenges of Decarbonization of Buildings in the Construction Sector, a session that brought together institutions, experts and companies to address practical strategies towards a more sustainable sector.

The meeting, organised by the Catalan Housing Agency (AHC), Leitat Technological Center and ITeC, highlights the importance of concentrating efforts and sharing knowledge to achieve the decarbonisation goals of buildings by 2050.

In addition, the European and Catalan regulatory framework that will condition the immediate future of construction was analysed: the Energy Efficiency of Buildings Directive, the latest developments in the Technical Building Code, the Construction Products Regulation and the circular economy and waste management policies in the field of construction.

Participants worked in teams and discussed priority strategies to reduce operational and embodied carbon in buildings. They agreed on the need to:

• Promote collaboration between agents in the sector
• Train professionals
• Review the current regulations
• Develop banks of experience and resources to facilitate implementation.

Among the specific solutions presented within these strategies are:

• Digital platforms such as Sircular Platform, MEZeroE, PEMD Platform, Opalis.eu or Materials Banks
• Innovative construction solutions such as low-carbon prefabricated panels for façade rehabilitation (Sircular Solution), circular wood structures (Woodcircles) or recycled glass, 3D printing systems (AdditiveSPACES) or solar control devices made from waste (Wiser)

The workshop has served to generate new alliances between institutions, companies and research centres, opening the door to future Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) projects and reinforcing the housing sector’s commitment to the green transition.

Watch the video of the Workshop