ReCreate

ReCreate (Reusing prefabricated concrete for a circular economy) is an EU funded project focused on deconstruction and reuse of precast concrete elements. ReCreate pushes towards circular construction by investigating the systemic changes needed in the whole ecosystems of construction and demolition.

The main objective of the ReCreate project is to close the loop for concrete at the highest level of utilization by facilitating the deconstruction and reuse of precast structural components.

Concrete is the most used construction material globally and in the EU. It is also a highly carbon-intensive material. The production of cement alone is accountable for 5–8% of annual carbon emissions globally. Construction and demolition waste is the single most significant source of waste in the EU, subject to a 70% recovery target under the Waste Framework Directive.

Research shows that by reusing concrete components the carbon footprint and energy consumption of the product phase can be reduced drastically by up to 93–98% compared to virgin production or aggregate recycling.

The aim of this project is to improve the technical and economic viability of deconstruction of precast concrete structures that have not been designed for deconstruction. The main objective is to pilot deconstruction and reuse towards maturity as a socio-technical system. 

• Unlock unexploited or underexploited raw materials and improve circularity, close material cycles
• Improve economic viability, market potential and value creation
• Improve health, safety and environmental performance
• Improve material and value recovery rate via wider application of smart techniques and procedures
• Push EU to the forefront of technology though generated know-how

ReCreate contributes to several of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 9 (Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation), SDG 11 (Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable), SDG 13 (Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts).

EU Horizon 2020 (Grant Agreement No 958200).

Tampere university