Topics
We organise our actions in six thematic & strategic agendas:
Strategic Agendas:
Bio-economy
Circular Construction
Chemicals/Plastics
Manufacturing Industry
Food Chain
Water Cycles
Seven leverages provide additional support:
Leverage effects:
Lever Policy Instruments
Lever Circular Procurement
Lever Communication
Lever Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Lever Financing
Lever Jobs & Skills
Lever Research
What, why and how?
Why are we pursuing a circular economy?
Future visions 2050
How do we see our circular future?
About our management
Who steers what at Flanders Circular?
CIRCAT - Circular techniques procurement package
Development of a circular procurement package for technical installations
In Flanders, circular construction focuses mainly on smart design and thoughtful material choices. However, in terms of technical installations such as electricity, plumbing..., we still see a predominantly linear economic model. To anchor circularity throughout the entire construction process, a circular approach needs to be encouraged in all facets. Moreover, technical installations are more maintenance-sensitive than other building layers, representing a significant potential for more efficient use of those resources and materials.
With this project, engineering consultancy Boydens engineering, along with VITO/EnergyVille, project owner Revive, and a stakeholder group of industrial market players, wish to develop a set of relevant circular award criteria for technical systems. This set evaluates the circularity of technical installations in a balanced manner, without being dependent on manufacturers or products. It is useful as a supplement to the classic award criteria, to stimulate the market and guide project owners in integrating circular construction principles. Later, it can also carry more weight, to reward steps in the right direction without a deterrent effect.
We were also able to immediately utilize our developed award package, as our engineering firm is involved in the conceptualization, design, and monitoring of technical installations in (medium) large buildings. Thus, we could already test the feasibility and impact of the package against reality.
Boydens engineering
Partners VITO/EnergyVille, Revive
Sectors
Themes
Organisations
Website
MOST IMPORTANT
RESULTS
- Based on desk research, we created a longlist of 23 parameters relevant to technical installations. After several stakeholder consultations, we processed these into a basic package of 12 relevant circular award criteria for technical systems.
- The 12 essential parameters were developed into an Excel tool consisting of a list of about 30 multiple-choice questions for the different domains HVAC, plumbing, and electricity.
- The Excel tool evaluates the extent to which the contractor considers circular construction concepts in the choice of materials, components, and methods of execution.
- With the score from the tool, project owners and decision-makers can compare different quotes, depending on the aspects in which the contractor wishes to apply circularity.
MOST IMPORTANT
LESSONS LEARNED
- To limit the flow or cycle, it is important to avoid oversizing installations at the start of a project, especially since oversizing can result in lower efficiency for some installations.
- The biggest challenge in closing the cycle of technical installations is currently the ability to guarantee technical performance and product warranty in remanufacturing and reuse.
- The discussion of construction versus integration often arises with technical installations, layering is often possible if the space allows. In the case of renovation or repurposing projects, available spaces are often ample.
- Manufacturers and distributors of technical systems are interested in circular construction concepts, but due to the lack of broader knowledge of circular principles, this often limits to just a single parameter. By incorporating these principles into a tendering process, the market becomes sensitized.
WHAT DOES
THE FUTURE HOLD?
During the project, we noticed that, especially in smaller construction projects, the developed tendering package with the 12 essential parameters was experienced as a barrier during the tendering phase. During this phase, there is significant time pressure, making it difficult to request the necessary input from subcontractors and suppliers while those parties are not yet fixed. Therefore, it would be a promising follow-up project to further develop the tendering package into a self-evaluation tool for contractors. This would allow a contractor, independent of any time pressure, to evaluate whether they are already (sufficiently) considering circular principles in the choice of materials, components, and methods of execution, and to identify areas for improvement.
