The most recent Circular Trust Building meeting, hosted by our French partners, proved to be a real knowledge exchange marathon! The jam-packed programme tested and fuelled the consortium’s expertise on circularity and sustainability in construction …and stamina.
With acivities planned from dawn to dusk and spread over a number of locations - covering a 60 km radius - the CTB partnership went the full distance in Lille and Lens. This event was a winner in terms of optimal experience sharing and collaboration.
Developing a trust framework
Following a warm welcome by ENSAPL, CD2E and Habiter2030 at Lille’s School of Architecture & Landscaping, we started off with a masterclass on developing a standard framework in circular building. The objective was to gain a common understanding of how to build a ‘trust framework’ regarding circularity in the sector.
Facilitated by Flemish partners from Vives University and the City of Ostend, participants discussed a compendium of tools that potentially contribute to trust building: legislation, labeling, digital identity systems to verify credentials, authorization, circular building passports, pre-demolition audits, standards for materials re-use and design for circularity. Agreeing on such a framework promotes interoperability among different systems and organizations.
The BIM Platform
Vives is also developing a Building Information Modelling (BIM) software system. This unique platform is a source of circular inspiration and expertise around the repurposing of building materials, including a section on recycling buildings, intended to be a one-stop-shop for all stakeholders (architects, scavangers/collectors, demolition companies, builders, transporters, storage/availability etc.).
ENSAPL
Holistic basis
There’s a long list of digital tools available which need to be more categorized. Roeselare is currently creating a flow chart to help the decision making proces.
The City of Ostend also shared another perspective. By looking at things within a different context we can build a more holistic basis. There’s a lot of information but many different viewpoints.
Stop building buildings and start constructing spaces.
FCB Fives Cail converted historic industrial facility, Lille
Goals & backcasting
Besides a tour of the school, the group was treated to a visit to the former FCB Fives Cail brownfield site, an historic industrial facility, now preserved and converted into a ‘hip and happening’ community hub with restaurants, meeting places, offices and more.
It was also our next stop for a workshop on Backcasting, organized by NICE and Linnaeus University, to examine progress in understanding and identifying the demands of the value chain across the entire construction sector, from customer to end user (and beyond). By also discussing assumed and preferred joint goals, long and short term ambitions and the level of stakeholder engagement, the consortium pushed to reach the necessary concensus for backcasting.
Regional learning network
With the Northern Innovation Lab for Circular Economy (NICE) we dove deeper into developing a strong regional learning network, learning that implementing innovation requires a core group of diverse stakeholders, a shared problem, a joint goal to solve it and strong committment. Six preconditions for a succesful learning network:
- Stakeholder mapping
- Expectation management
- Clear goal/vision
- Initial analysis of status quo
- Good selection of competences
- Appropriate working methods
Switching location once more to the WAAO (Centre for Architecture and Urbanism), the CTB-ers were treated to inspiring keynotes by two local architects: Ingrid Petit of Citymix on re-use and Amélie Fontaine on bio-based materials.
CD2E Biobased Training Centre - Lens
Bio-based training & upskilling
On Day 2 the partners woke in a very different environment. The former mining area of Loos en Gohelle (near Lens) is home to partner CD2E. This heritage site is a museum with a work-integrated training centre dedicated to bio-based in new buildings and retrofitting. CD2E accelerates the circular transition in building by connecting players and developing an economic dynamic in the region.
Following an extensive guided tour of the converted facilities and an exhibition with 1:1 models for the practical use of bio-based materials, there was a workshop on Training & Upskilling, facilitated by ENSAPL, Habiter2030 and Hanze University. This session focussed on understanding building professionals, collecting tools and sharing what we already have. Upskilling is most effective when based on interest and experience, showing how circularity in building can be done.
CTB - Pitching best practices
Pitching best practices
All partners had developed poster ‘pitches’ to visually communicate best practices in this regard and these fired the group discussions, held from five different stakeholder perspectives: Education, Design, Construction & Materials, Local Authorities, and Project Owners.
Inspirational practices include:
- Stakeholder meetings, connecting skills, knowledge sharing
- Intensive practical training for professionals
- Developing teaching programme for vocational schools
- Interaction between the sector and students
- Webinars, seminars and expo centres on circular building and biobased materials
- Circular procurement.
The CTB partners visit CD2E Training Centre near Lens
Merci Beaucoup
At the end of our French visit, the partners headed homewards, tired but energized, with bags full of new learnings and ideas. As the project progresses, the route to achieving our CTB goals becomes more defined. Step by step, with shared committment and intensive exchange.
Merci beaucoup à tous nos collegues Française pour l’organisation excellente et leur hospitalité!