Sustainable Infrastructure & Operations

The goal is to move towards sustainable building infrastructure operations by adopting modular construction and retrofitting techniques. This includes upgrading older buildings with energy-efficient systems rather than demolition, reusing materials from renovations, and designing for deconstruction (DfD) to facilitate future material recovery. A critical element is planning infrastructure that actively enables reusable solutions, such as washing and sterilization facilities. The cluster also addresses the need for clear, industry-recognized guidelines and lifecycle calculations for circular buildings, and aims to create buildings that generate more energy than they consume over time.

Sustainable building infrastructure operations

Apply circular principles to building design, renovation, and operation to reduce waste, enable material reuse, and enhance energy efficiency.

• Upgrade older buildings with energy-efficient systems and sustainable materials instead of demolishing and rebuilding. (Infrastructure and Facility Management)

• Implementing effective waste management practices in hospitals.

• Reuse materials like mineral wool and steel from building renovations or demolitions. (Infrastructure and Facility Management)

• Use modular construction and prefabricated components to minimize material waste during building projects.

• Plan infrastructure to enable user-friendly use of reusable solutions (e.g., washing & sterilisation installation, storage).

• Design for Deconstruction/Disassembly (DfD): Use this holistic approach, that aims to facilitate the deconstruction of buildings.

• Establish clear, industry-recognized guidelines for implementing circular building infrastructure; Align with existing or emerging international standards like ISO TC 336.

• Provide structured insights and recommendations to influence decision-making and policy development by drafting position papers addressing key topics.

• Consider lifecycle calculation for buildings, not only investment but also maintenance, repairs, energy.

• Ensure that key decision-makers (buyers, procurement teams, facility managers) understand and implement circular building principles.

• Create buildings that create more energy than they use over time.

• Create a regional platform for discussion, collaboration, and problem-solving on circular infrastructure.

• Avoid the use of high-impact materials for lab construcitons, like concrete and steel, in favour of greener alternatives.