Background
The construction sector contributes significantly to the percentage of waste produced annually in Portugal and worldwide, and together with the industry sector, represents 83% of total waste. Due to the current paradigm, which is totally focused on the revitalization of materials in a circular economy perspective, it is up to the most influential sectors to create procedures that result in lower consumption of natural resources. In this perspective, ReNEW emerges, a project that aims to make the transition, on a large scale, from an industry that intensively consumes natural resources to an industry focused on the reintroduction of materials in new products promoting the circular economy and environmental sustainability of the planet.
Goals
This project has a broad and integrative character, something that is easily proven by the technical and scientific variety of the consortium responsible for its execution. Its objectives focus essentially on the development and practical application of structural concrete and bituminous concrete which, in their manufacturing process, incorporate waste and/or industrial by-products, focusing also on improvements in the compositions that translate into an extension of the useful life of the constructions and which also allow response to special requests and applications. This approach will simultaneously reduce the use of natural resources and enhance the reintroduction of end-of-life materials into the value chain, while allowing these end products to become more competitive and environmentally friendly, policies that are aligned with the circular economy.