DeConcrete: Eco-efficient Arctic Technologies Cooperation (KO4068 DeConcrete)

Concrete is a second most consumed artificial material in the building industry. The building sector keeps high speeds of development in the North. However, construction faces certain problems connected to re-using large volumes of reinforced concrete wastes and search for optimal technological and economic methods for their recycling. Of special concern are also environmental issues, such as eco-efficient approach to waste handling and contamination (dust) reducing.
DeConcrete project is implemented by consortium of relevant universities with strong support from industrial companies (e.g. Norwegian Cold Concrete Cluster with 34 member organizations) and regional authorities. The overall aim of the project is to enhance cross-border Arctic Technologies Cooperation between industry, academia and R&D communities for the growth of circular economy in the Kolarctic region. This will be achieved by joint activities: comparison of existing demolition practices, case studies and laboratory testing of new demolition techniques, development of waste management strategy and recommendations for the most eco-efficient approaches to reuse and recycling of construction materials (concrete), dissemination of project results among business companies and other stakeholders.