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?
Circul'Air
Adaptable ventilation concepts for change-oriented (re)construction
In the context of circular construction, it is crucial that buildings are adaptable to allow for flexible use. However, traditional ventilation systems can pose obstacles in a change-oriented (re)construction practice. Currently, the role of ventilation systems in the transition to a more circular economy is still largely overlooked.
With Circul'Air, the EMIB research group of the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Antwerp aims to analyze at a meta-level which (alternative) ventilation systems facilitate flexible use and thus better align with a circular economy.
On one hand, we have examined the role of ventilation systems in an adaptable construction context. We have authored two scientific papers on this topic and compiled a guideline sheet on how to ventilate in an adaptable context. On the other hand, we have researched, documented, and tested (in a simulation environment) whether there are alternative ventilation strategies that are more compatible with an adaptable context than traditional systems. Additionally, we have built and demonstrated a proof of concept for an alternative system in a laboratory environment.
Universiteit Antwerpen - Departement, Bouwkunde - Onderzoeksgroep EMIB
Partners Renson Ventilation NV
Sectors
Themes
Organisations
MOST IMPORTANT
RESULTS
- Due to the COVID-19 epidemic, in the initial phase, we mainly focused on literature review and partner consultations to identify the pain points of current ventilation concepts compared to a flexible building layout with adaptable walls.
- Through a test setup with three ventilation systems, we were able to analyze the adaptability of the systems and define adaptability indicators. This allows us to objectively assess the adaptability of current ventilation systems.
- We compared the environmental impact of two ventilation systems in an adaptable context through a simulation experiment in a school building. It was found that a ductless ventilation system C has a lower long-term impact than a system D.
- We compiled our lessons learned and findings into two scientific publications for dissemination. One of the papers received the CLIMA 2022 best paper award and was also published in the Dutch trade journal TVVL Magazine.
MOST IMPORTANT
LESSONS LEARNED
- There are various ventilation systems that may be more or less flexible in use over the short or long term. In the context of a more circular economy, it is important to consider long and medium-term adaptability.
- When designing ventilation systems, it is important to consider the overall environmental impact of the system, and not just focus on reducing the auxiliary energy consumption of the fans.
- Traditional ventilation systems are not always the best solution in terms of circularity. On one hand, it would be worthwhile to research alternative materials with lower environmental impact for those systems, but it's also time to explore alternative, innovative systems.
- The project facilitated an innovative partnership among three parties that would otherwise have difficulty connecting. This led to a refreshing perspective on matters that were previously unquestioned, potentially resulting in more future-proof products with lower environmental impact.
WHAT DOES
THE FUTURE HOLD?
There is a doctoral research project underway that will further investigate the role of ventilation systems and other HVAC systems in an adaptable context in the coming years.
