SB&WRC Project
SB&WRC PROJECT
Fostering a circular economy in the construction sector
The originality of the Sustainable Bio & Waste Resources project for Construction (SB&WRC) in the framework of the European Interreg Territorial Cooperation Program France (Channel) England lies notably in its method: designing prototypes of building materials based on existing common agricultural waste and co-products that are widely available and underutilized (in the area) within the defined perimeter. In this, the project is directly rooted in the geographic area and in a logic of cross-border cooperation.
The SB&WRC project will address challenge n°1 and n°2 of the Programme area through a new collaboration between 4 universities, 2 associations, one small business, and one global corporation, in the framework of an R&D initiative in the field of energy efficiency in buildings. The project will also address challenges n°4 and n°5 by working towards the enhancement of energy efficiency in a context of limited resources by mobilising under-exploited renewable resources (notably agricultural resources).
The SB&WRC project is supported by the European program Interreg VA France (Channel) England and receives financial support from the ERDF. The European Union (ERDF) will finance 69% of the overall project budget, estimated at around € 1.8M (€ 1.26M from ERDF).
The SB&WRC partnership
NOMADEIS, Lead partner
Nomadéis will ensure the administrative/financial management, coordination and communication of the project (WP1-2), will participate in the prototype design process (WP3), and will support partners in WP4-5-6 (formalisation of deliverables, logistical support, prototype deployment/assessment). Nomadéis will also coordinate the work planned under WP7, that is to say the strategic analyses of the prototype (upscaling, market dissemination), awareness raising work among professionals and the organisation of results dissemination conferences.
The project is at the crossroads of Nomadéis's 4 areas of expertise:
- Green industries;
- Local sustainable development;
- New economic models (e.g. circular economy);
- Social and environmental responsibility of organisations.
Since 2013, Nomadeis has completed 30 + projects related to sustainable construction, bio-based materials, and energy efficiency in buildings, such as the following:
- Assistance for the completion of the regional energy efficiency programme in PACA-2016 ;
- Support of the Regional Environment Directorate of Limousin to elaborate/implement a support plan for biobased construction industries- 2014
- Study: perceptions, practices and expectations of independent construction workers regarding biobased construction materials in France (9 regions)-2013
Veolia Propreté Nord Normandie (VPNN)
A global expert of recycling and waste valorisation, Veolia is committed to the reservation of natural resources, as well as to the reutilisation, reuse, and recycling of waste. Veolia collects, processes and valorises millions of tonnes of waste each year within cycles of consumption as well as production.
Veolia Propreté Nord Normandie (VPNN) will share its expertise in order to contribute to the identification, the quantification and the mapping of waste flux and stocks relevant to the project. VPNN will share its expertise regarding the legal requirements relating to waste valorisation, and will share its experience of waste valorisation for the design of the prototypes during the partners-professionals workshops.
Besides, VPNN will mobilise its networks within the eligible area in order to assist partners in the sourcing of waste raw materials (agricultural coproducts, textile waste, terracotta waste). VPNN also will suggest potential pilot construction sites in addition to those already identified by the partners (Beauvais, Swindon, Brighton), and will participate in the economic analysis of the prototypes.
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University of Bath (UBath)
UBath will participate in the design of the 3 prototypes, conduct tests on all 3 prototypes (WP4-5-6), participate in their operational deployment, as well as in the dissemination of project results (WP7). UBath will host the project launching event, a steering committee and the workshop for the design of prototype 3.
The research work will be carried out by the BRE Centre for Innovative Construction Materials (BRE CICM), a partnership between the Building Research Establishment (BRE) and the Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, UBath, whose R&D and consultancy focus is on innovative and sustainable construction materials.
The centre works on projects supported by FP7, Horizon 2020, EASME, UK research funding, and industrial partnerships. BRE CICM has very well equipped and technician supported laboratories for construction materials research. It operates the Building Research Park and HIVE outdoor test facilities in Wroughton, Swindon.
Professor Walker, Director of the BRE CICM, will be the Principal Investigator for the project, supported by Dr Daniel Maskell, a University Prize Fellow, as project Co-Investigator. Prof. Walker has coordinated/participated in FP7, H2020 and EASME projects. UBath will employ a full-time post-doc researcher for the project, and a part-time administrative officer. UBath’s Research & Innovation services have a highly experienced project and financial management team coordinating several EU projects.
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Ecole Supérieure d'Ingénieur des Travaux de la Construction de Caen (ESITC CAEN)
Within the SB&WRC project, ESITC Caen will participate in the design of the 3 prototypes WP3) and to the development of prototypes 2 (WP5) and 3 (WP6) as co-leader.
ESITC Caen will conduct technical tests on prototype 2 (WP5), participate in the operational deployment of prototypes 2 and 3 (WP5-6) and in their environmental impact assessment (WP5-6), as well as in result dissemination activities with construction professionals (WP7).
ESITC Caen's research laboratory develops R&D partnerships with companies and organisations of the construction and public works industry in the fields of sustainable construction and eco-friendly materials. Through its 4 areas of speciality (materials’ engineering, environmental geotechnics, energy and environment, maritime
infrastructures), the laboratory supports companies during collaborative missions or projects on eco-friendly construction materials:
- Specifications of materials;
- Composition of concrete and other construction materials;
- Valorisation and recycling of industrial and agricultural co-products;
- Environmental impact assessment.
Construction21 France
- Sustainable construction thanks to excellent connections with professionals on the ground. C21 France gathers 80 members, both non-profit organisations and businesses.
- Communication/Web : experts of social networks, organisation of conferences, conduction of press campaigns and direct marketing.
Our international competition, the Green Building Solutions Awards, brings to light every year 100+ buildings able to inspire professionals. Our online communities enable professionals to enrich their watch (e.g. urban biodiversity, wood-based construction, LCA, bio-based buildings) and to share insights.
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Institut Polutechnique LaSalle Beauvais – ESITPA (UniLaSalle)
UniLaSalle will be responsible for WP4 related to prototype 1, a thermal insulant made from agricultural coproducts (rapeseed and corn stems, potentially elements from their pith, wheat, etc.) and agroresources. UniLaSalle will coordinate the design of prototype 1 and will participate in that of prototype 3, also made from agricultural coproducts (wheat straw).
UniLaSalle will be involved in the design of all 3 prototypes through its participation in the 3 workshops of activity 3.5 (UniLaSalle will host one of those in Rouen). UniLaSalle will be involved in WP4, WP5 and WP6 during the environmental assessment of the materials (biodegradability tests), as well as in WP7 for the dissemination of results.
UniLaSsalle will rely on its research unit in territorial agroecology (Agri'Terr - labelled UP MAAF 2012. 10.100) where a team works on the valorisation of coproducts and agroresources in order to create biobased materials for various uses, including construction. This team's work includes a fundamental research aspect - understanding structure-properties relationships within the developed materials - as well as an applied dimension through partnerships with industrial stakeholders. UniLaSalle's project team will rely on its know-how in the elaboration of insulants made from agricultural coproducts in order to develop prototype 1.
University of Brighton (UoB)
In 2008 the UOB team designed and delivered the UK's first A+ EPC Rated dwelling. It was also the first contemporary building in Europe made from 90%+ organic, replenishable materials.
In 2014 UOB team delivered Europe's first permanent building made of 90% waste material. The Waste House is an ongoing 'live' research project that is constantly digitally monitored for material and environmental performance. It is adaptable and will provide a 'live laboratory' for this project – notably for prototype 2, whose design and production will be led and coordinated by the University of Brighton.
UOB team has over 25 years experience in material design, innovation and development including international material brands ICI, Eastmen, Mitsubishi, plus working within waste industry (industrial & civic) in UK & Europe, including organisations such as Veolia Foundation, Vision Aid Overseas, The Body Shop, Marks & Spencer, The Utopia Foundation, exploring how to utilise waste to increase public awareness, social value and ecology. Members of the UOB team are currently advising UK government infrastructure project 'High Speed 2' on resource management & waste material flows.
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Alliance for Sustainable Building Products (ASBP)
The ASBP will be co-leader for communication (WP2), notably via the elaboration and deployment of a media kit aimed at ensuring effective communication about the project. The ASBP will share its knowledge of the construction sector for the design of the prototypes (WP3) and in order to associate professionals at various stages of the
project (e.g. A3.5, A7.3), particularly for the dissemination of results (WP7: conferences, newsletter, video contents, etc.) The ASBP, a cross sector, not for profit organisation, gathers manufacturers, distributors, specifiers, designers, contractors, sustainability organisations, academics and other building practitioners. Its mission is to accelerate the transition to a performant, healthy and low carbon built environment, by championing the increased understanding and use of sustainable building products.
These will assist in delivering performant (health and carbon) buildings as well as sustainable economic and social development, while highlighting the relationship between people, buildings and nature.
The ASBP acts as a knowledge exchange platform, with monthly newsletters and regular popular events (health and wellbeing, circular economy, responsible sourcing and product innovation). The ASBP has 50 members including Skanska UK and Wienerberger as well as smaller manufacturers (e.g. Thermafleece, Clayworks).
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