During the initial phase, SNUG focused on identifying the needs of end users by gathering data through online surveys and interviews with key stakeholders. This information was essential for establishing priorities and determining the technical, environmental, and economic requirements for the solutions to be developed, including both physical construction technologies and digital tools for industry professionals. Additionally, SNUG scaled various solutions from laboratory to pilot scale, considering waste material availability, pre-treatment needs, costs, and technical behavior factors for the desired applications. Prototypes of materials and construction solutions were developed, such as aerogels from construction and demolition waste (CDW) or Pureflex panels (renders/plasters, foams, in-blow), biopanels with bio-adhesives, and lightweight autoclaved aerated concrete blocks made from eco-friendly cements (geopolymers or cements with pozzolanic waste additives).
In the first phase, key metrics for technical, environmental, safety, social, and cost performance were identified. Feasibility studies were conducted to assess the scalability of these materials and solutions for industrial use, and plans for mock-up tests and Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) were initiated. Preliminary environmental parameter values were established and will be refined in later stages as industrial process data becomes available. For the self-levelling mortar with PCMs, an initial industrial formulation was developed to meet contractor deadlines. Future phases will refine this formulation by incorporating more sustainable cements developed within SNUG.
On the digital front, work began on creating a comprehensive database of materials commonly used for building envelopes, floors, and ceilings, focusing on those in countries like Spain, Norway, and Switzerland, where the demonstrators are located. This database is populated with data from Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and other public sources. The design of a user interface and digital tool architecture is underway, including methods for predicting energy consumption and environmental impacts. These tools will help select the best insulation materials and placement strategies, considering factors like location, orientation, building materials, design, usage, and user priorities.
For the final demonstrators, information on the buildings where the solutions will be installed has been collected. Plans detailing the implementation of solutions, including their location, references, and monitoring parameters, have been made. In the Norwegian new construction demonstrator, the self-levelling mortar with PCMs has already been applied, and monitoring has begun in the mock-up and demo phase.
