About the SUM4Re project consortium

Researchers from nine countries are leading this European project, aimed at reducing and recycling construction materials from the predemolition phase.

The consortium, led by UVigo, is composed of 17 entities from the construction sector in Norway, the Netherlands, Spain, Germany, Belgium, France, Finland, Estonia and Switzerland,

“A clear indicator of the interest in the project, which we hope, will help to stimulate the business sector so that the EU continues to be a benchmark in this field on a global scale”, says the project’s PI, who stresses the importance of starting waste reduction, recycling and by-product recovery at an early stage and before the demolition or dismantling of existing built infrastructure.

UVigo will be working on this project with researchers from the Applied Geotechnics group.

Discover the SUM4Re project partners

Universidade de Vigo (UVIGO)

Spain

The University of Vigo is the coordinator of the SUM4Re project. The research team belongs to the Applied Geotechnologies Group within the CINTECX Research Centre. Founded in 1990, the University of Vigo is a public institution dedicated to serving society through principles of equality, democracy, and freedom.

CINTECX, the Research Centre in Technologies, Energy and Industrial Processes, drives multidisciplinary research and excels in transferring knowledge to the productive sector. The centre focuses on renewable energies, energy efficiency, and advanced manufacturing, ensuring a high level of excellence and competitiveness.

GeoTech, part of the diverse research initiatives at CINTECX, is renowned for developing and applying geo-technologies to solve challenges in the environment, infrastructure, and cultural heritage. Recognised as a Galician reference group, GeoTech leverages geomatics and AI-based methods to foster innovation and ethical collaboration. As a cohesive team, we strive for research excellence, constantly seeking synergies with other research groups and industries to create impactful solutions for society.

TECNALIA Research & Innovation

Spain

TECNALIA is the largest center of applied research and technological development in Spain, a benchmark in Europe and a member of the Basque Research and Technology Alliance. We collaborate with companies and institutions to improve their competitiveness, people’s quality of life and achieve sustainable growth. We do it thanks to people who are passionate about technology and committed to building a better society.

• Our Mission: To transform technological research into prosperity.
• Our Vision: To be agents of transformation of companies and society for their adaptation to the challenges of a changing future.
• Our Values: we are a team of people who behave honestly, transparently, and coherently, in line with our Organisation’s values set out below, creating an environment of trust both inside and outside of TECNALIA: client focus, collaboration, social commitment, excellence and innovation.

The Hague University of Applied Sciences (THUAS)

Netherlands

The Hague University of Applied Sciences (THUAS) is a public higher-educational institution in the UNESCO Associated Schools Network. It offers more than 100 degree programmes at 5 campus locations in The Hague, Delft and Zoetermeer, in the South Holland region of The Netherlands. THUAS has over 26000 students and 2600 academic and non-academic staff.

In SUM4Re, THUAS is represented by the research group of Future Urban Systems (FUS), chaired by Professor Dr. Rizal Sebastian. FUS is dedicated to developing and implementing practical innovations for sustainable and inclusive smart cities. The research agenda of Future Urban Systems consists of 4 main themes, namely: digitalisation for sustainable built environment; community-driven energy transition in neighbourhoods; climate neutrality and resilience of buildings and districts; and circular building renovation, cultural heritage preservation, and urban regeneration.

SINTEF AS (SINTEF)

Norway

SINTEF is one of the largest research institutes in Europe focusing primarily on the industrial research. Our 2000 employees deliver applied research, innovation, technology development, knowledge and solutions for customers large and small across the world.

SINTEF researchers work cross-disciplinary to develop technologies and practical applications of technologies in the construction industry to enable the transition toward circularity by increasing knowledge about reclaimed and salvaged materials, developing re-certification schemes, preparing testing procedures, methodologies and performing laboratory tests, adapting design and preparing design guidelines, tools and benchmarks.

Block Materials B.V.

Netherlands

Block Materials aims to provide everyone with access to the process of circular transition in construction by sharing our knowledge and methods. Our goal is to contribute to broad prosperity in our society, which includes the long-term use of all materials.

Block Materials adopts a holistic and integrated approach to the reuse of materials, focusing on an information-centric perspective. We evaluate the different values of secondary materials in terms of material value, economic value, and social (environmental) value throughout the entire life cycle of a material, and especially its future circular value. This enables trading at any time to finance the necessary sustainability costs.

R2M Solution

France

We are a research and innovation company passionate about making the world a better place. We say yes to opportunity, strive to do right as an employer for our staff and their families, and we seek to develop, accelerate and implement solutions to societal challenges.

Half of our activities are in Research and Innovation – the realization of new knowledge, products and services typically in the framework of collaborative European research.

The other half or our activities focus on the commercialization, early adoption and scaling of new products and services that disrupt markets, solve problems and make our clients more competitive.

We operate most in the sustainability sector where we are deeply engaged in energy, buildings, construction and the smart grid.

Estudios Rafer

Spain

Estudios Rafer is a medium sized company based in the north west of Spain that has been offering its services for 20 years. The main objective of this company is to train people on skills from many different areas such as social abilities, digital transformation, virtual reality, app development, technical occupational risk prevention courses and sustainable development among others. Moreover, we manage and expertise in different training programs with the goal of improving industry 4.0 initiatives pursued by the spanish government for companies and freelancers. We also work closely with local councils to develop different programs across the area. Additionally, we also function as a job counseling agency connecting job seekers with companies searching to cover a vacancy. Furthermore, we operate as a vocational center and our clients go from young people to company managers, teachers and job seekers.

TEKNOLOGIAN TUTKIMUSKESKUS VTT OY (VTT)

Finland

VTT is one of Europe’s leading research institutions. We are owned by the Finnish state. We advance the utilisation and commercialisation of research and technology in commerce and society. Through scientific and technological means, we turn large global challenges into sustainable growth for businesses and society. We bring together people, business, science and technology to solve the biggest challenges of our time. This is how we create sustainable growth, jobs and wellbeing and bring exponential hope.

The Hague

Netherlands

MOYUA

Spain

MOYUA is a leading company in the construction sector with over 90 years of experience, dedicated to delivering innovative and sustainable solutions in infrastructure, building, and services. Founded in the Basque Country, Moyua has built a solid reputation thanks to its commitment to quality, safety, and environmental responsibility.

The company excels in handling complex and large-scale projects, utilizing cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices that promote the circular economy. Its multidisciplinary team of highly skilled professionals works closely with clients and partners to ensure the successful execution of projects that enhance the quality of life in the communities where it operates. Through its innovative vision and dedication to excellence, Construcciones Moyua continues to lead the way toward the future of construction.

AF Decom AS

Norway

AF Decom AS is one of the largest demolition contractor in the Nordics. Our business unit undertakes projects and environmental remediation of buildings, industrial facilities, shipwrecks, and various types of installations and facilities across Scandinavia. AF Decom has established itself as a leader in the field.

Store Norske Boliger AS

Norway

Store Norske Spitsbergen Kulkompani (SNSK) has been a cornerstone of Longyearbyen’s development since its establishment in 1916. Initially focused on coal mining, SNSK has diversified into real estate, logistics, energy, and tourism. The company plays a crucial role in managing and developing residential and commercial properties in Longyearbyen, contributing significantly to the local community’s stability and growth. SNSK owns and operates around 500 housing units, making it the largest property manager in the area. Through its subsidiary, Store Norske Boliger AS, the company ensures the provision and maintenance of high-quality housing for both public and private sectors.

Concular

Germany

Concular is a company focused on the reuse of building materials to promote a circular economy in the construction industry. It provides digital solutions for tracking, evaluating, and reusing materials from existing buildings. This approach aims to conserve resources and reduce CO2 emissions. Concular connects developers, planners, and demolition companies to keep materials in circulation more efficiently. The goal is to create a more sustainable construction industry with less waste and a smaller environmental footprint.

OLAR Solutions

Germany

OLAR Solutions is committed to revolute the way of managing resources and energy. Our mission is to drive a greener, more sustainable future by focusing on renewable energy and the intelligent use of waste. Using cutting-edge technologies, we turn these often-discarded materials (e.g., food waste, agricultural residues and urban/construction waste) into resources that drive a circular economy, reducing the environmental impact and promote sustainable development.

Gscan

Estonia

GScan is an Estonian deep-tech company offering scanning solutions using Muon Flux Technology (MFT) that is able to detect different internal objects and assess the integrity of elements by utilizing the natural atmospheric flux around us. GScan was founded in 2018 to revolutionize built environment inspection, security and medical scanning markets. We are the pioneer of MFT having unique IP, production, hardware & software related know-how in the field with a strong team of more than 40 experts who are supported by a strong network of partners to support our research efforts.

European Builders Confederation

Belgium

Established in 1990, the European Builders Confederation (EBC) is the European organisation representing national associations of construction micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, and crafts, with a secretariat in Brussels. EBC is part of the employers’ delegation in the European sectoral social dialogue for construction, member of SMEunited, the European association of SMEs, and founding partner of Small Business Standards (SBS), the European association representing SMEs in standardisation. At national level, EBC members cover crafts ranging from general contractors and bricklayers over specialized crafts such as carpenters, joiners, plumbers, HVAC, electricians, and renewable energy installers to finishing crafts such as plasterers and tile-fix painters.

Screening Eagle Technologies

Switzerland

Screening Eagle Technologies provides a technology platform for intelligent inspection of the built environment. The company was created through the merger of Dreamlab in Singapore and Proceq in Switzerland with a mission to protect the built world with software, sensors and data. Screening Eagle’s full-stack inspection solution combines intuitive software and powerful portable sensors to deliver reliable data for construction and asset maintenance decisions.

Powered by data from intelligent and autonomous inspection, Screening Eagle is on a steep growth path to realize its vision of predictive healthcare that extends asset life and increases long-term value for asset owners.


Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union.

Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

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