More sustainability for European construction
The construction sector is an important pillar for the future of the European economy, representing over EUR 1.4 billion in total value. However, economic and environmental considerations are changing how we build and are redefining the future of the sector. Owners and funders of new construction projects are seeking new tools to ensure that their next venture is a viable and sustainable one. With this in mind, the EU-funded project CILECCTA(opens in new window) developed software to analyse economic and environmental considerations of construction projects throughout their life cycle. The project brought together leading experts, academics and industry researchers to work on the new software. It envisioned a tool that would identify and evaluate sustainable strategies in order to support decision making for the construction industry and its associated supply chains. In more detail, CILECCTA developed software that conducts a full life cycle cost analysis, providing a system that is compatible with environmental life cycle indicator results and codified price banks. This involved identifying four price banks and sets of indicators for different regions of Europe and integrating them into the system. Once this was achieved, the project team built and tested the software, developing an easy-to-use interface that minimises the need for expert users. The team then conducted large-scale tests of the software at three different construction projects, demonstrating important advantages over existing technology such as much less need for data input. CILECCTA is expected to have a strong impact on businesses that are developing assets for medium-to-long–term use. It will provide greater certainty in planning decisions, as well as improved resource efficiency in developing, using, maintaining, dismantling and recycling built structures. The software will also ensure availability of construction products and materials across the EU market, in addition to improving technology transfer and improving communications among sites and workforces. Once small and medium-sized businesses in the sector adopt the software, they will become much more efficient, thanks to a powerful knowledge-based and value-added network. The future of construction looks more sustainable now than ever before.
