SUM4Re Introduction video

[0:01]Hello to everyone. I am Pedro Arias, professor at the University of Vigo and leader of the research Group of Applied Geotechnologies. At the same time, I am the coordinator of the SUM4Re project. It's a big pleasure for me to lead this project, and I am encouraged to all of you to follow our results. Every year, millions of tons of construction and demolition waste are generated in the EU, contributing to CO2 emissions and climate change. But what if these materials could be given a second life? This is the vision of the SUM4Re project, funded by the European Union. The SUM4Re project aims to create lasting change by demonstrating solutions that can be scaled up and adopted across Europe, paving the way for a more circular construction sector. SUM4Re proposes an approach to creating material banks from the built environment by creating a methodology to identify and analyse information about reusable building materials, and developing a traceability system. This will help reduce waste, lower the need for new resources, and thus support the transition towards circular construction. Using urban mining and developing new technologies, SUM4Re identifies and tracks materials from buildings to ensure they can be reused efficiently. Using AI, smart digital tools and blockchain, SUM4Re develops digital innovations that automatically collect data on-site and identify the materials and components found in the buildings. Our approach is being tested in three pilot sites across Europe, considering existing buildings with different uses and challenges, either being demolished or renovated. Different products and materials are also tested. However, SUM4Re is not just about technology, it's about changing the way we think about construction. We're developing guidelines, training programs, and collaborating with stakeholders to build a more sustainable future for the construction industry and the planet. By integrating technology and circular economy principles, SUM4Re is paving the way for a sustainable construction industry. The SUM4Re project brings together a diverse consortium of 17 partners from 9 European countries, combining expertise from research and innovation, construction and infrastructure, material science and engineering, digital technologies and AI, policy and stakeholder engagement. Each partner plays a key role in making circular construction a reality, from developing digital tools, testing reuse on pilot sites, to training professionals and informing EU policies. Join us! Be part of circular construction in reshaping the future of buildings! Follow us on social media to learn more about the SUM4Re project and how you can be part of the solution.