Trend papers

Insulation of the walls, windows, doors, roofs, and floors (together, the building envelope) can significantly improve the efficiency of heating and cooling of the indoor environment, thereby conserving energy and limiting CO2 emissions. The new technologies and processes of all the individual components can reduce the environmental impact of a building and improve the comfort of its users. For example, green walls and roofs reduce the urban heat island effect, improve air quality, sequester carbon, have an aesthetic appeal, provide a positive psychological impact on urban dwellers, can support biodiversity and animal habitats, and provide a level of sound proofing.

Drones and 3D printing are among the most promising digital innovations in the construction sector. Globally, the market for drones is rapidly expanding, with the construction industry accounting for EUR 9.7 billion between 2016 and 2020. Similarly, the 3D printing market is estimated to grow to around USD 40 billion by 2027. The first 3D printed social housing projects are already a reality in France. Regarding the UK, the self-repairing cities project is delegating road maintenance to drones that can identify, diagnose and repair potholes

Implementing Building Information Modelling (BIM) offers numerous advantages for construction companies. The European BIM market was valued at EUR 1.8 billion in 2016 and is projected to grow by 13.0% until 2023. But what are the challenges for implementing BIM? National governments alongside with industry stakeholders launch different initiatives to foster the adoption of BIM in the sector. Three case studies from Poland, France and Denmark highlight different approaches and lessons learnt.

The construction sector generated 923 million tonnes of construction and demolition waste (CDW) in 2016, making it the largest waste stream in the EU. With pressures for sustainable solutions increasing, the CDW recycling market is growing too. So, what new opportunities can the transition towards a circular economy bring for the construction sector? The construction & demolition waste management Protocol and Handbook show how to certify quality in concrete production through raising awareness among multilingual construction workers on CDW separation; how to optimise waste audits and best practices of waste management in the construction workplace.