Recovery of materials and secondary raw materials
Conserving resources through recuperation
With raw materials becoming increasingly scarce and waste volumes growing, the concept of ‘urban mining’ is becoming increasingly important in the preservation of existing buildings. Urban mining refers to the systematic recovery of materials and secondary raw materials from existing buildings for reuse. Existing buildings in particular offer enormous potential. Old buildings often contain high-quality building materials such as steel beams, bricks, wood and precious metals, which can be recovered as secondary raw materials during demolition or modernisation. This article shows how urban mining can be specifically applied to existing buildings, what technical and digital approaches are necessary for this, and what contribution 3XPERTS and B3YOND-IT can make as experienced partners.
Urban mining in existing buildings – why now?
Traditional demolition processes often focus solely on the disposal of old materials rather than their recycling. This results in large quantities of building materials that could instead be used as resources for new projects. Urban mining in existing buildings takes a holistic approach. As early as the planning phase of a conversion or modernisation project, surveys of existing buildings are carried out with a view to identifying potential secondary raw materials. This allows recyclable materials to be identified at an early stage and recycled in a targeted manner.
Technical implementations in existing buildings
The first step is a detailed analysis of components and materials. As an architecture and engineering firm, 3XPERTS has the expertise to digitally survey existing buildings and classify material layers. Components are precisely recorded using modern inventory surveys, laser scanning and Building Information Modelling (BIM). A digital inventory model not only stores geometry and statics, but also material properties such as brick quality, concrete strength and wood types. This creates a digital image of the building in which all information relevant to recyclable materials is transparently available.
Based on this modelling, material flows can be simulated: which components can be dismantled, which can be shredded and separated by type? The aim is to achieve the highest possible recycling rates in order to reduce the use of primary raw materials. 3XPERTS relies on standardised classifications according to DIN standards and European recycling guidelines to ensure smooth transfer to recycling companies.
Digitisation and material management
This is where B3YOND-IT comes in: as an IT specialist, B3YOND-IT creates the technical infrastructure for end-to-end material management. Inventory data and material catalogues are networked via cloud-based platforms so that all project participants, architects, engineers, demolition companies and recyclers work on a uniform data pool. IoT sensors and RFID tags can be installed in the inventory to digitally record material packages during demolition. Digital logistics control ensures that recyclable components are sent directly to suitable processing plants.
In addition, an integrative ERP interface enables automatic tracking of material flows. As soon as a component is removed, its availability, condition and quality are immediately updated on the platform. This allows potential buyers such as brickworks, steel dealers or wood recyclers to purchase and use the secondary raw materials in real time.
Overcoming challenges
Urban mining in existing buildings poses various technical and organisational challenges:
- Varying material conditions and pollutant levels: Old buildings may contain asbestos, chlorinated plastics or PCB-containing paints. Early pollutant analysis is essential.
- Documentation: Many existing buildings lack precise construction plans or material certificates. 3XPERTS creates transparency here with innovative inventory digitisation.
- Information silos: Without digital networking, there is a lack of transparency regarding material availability. B3YOND-IT solves this problem with interoperable platforms and standardised data formats.
- Logistics & processes: Different dismantling and transport flows must be coordinated so that secondary raw materials do not arrive late at recycling plants and lose their quality.
3XPERTS and B3YOND-IT: Your partner for sustainable inventory projects
3XPERTS accompanies you from the initial inventory to the creation of a digitised inventory model and develops tailor-made urban mining strategies. Our engineers identify valuable building materials, plan demolition processes and ensure compliance with all standards. B3YOND-IT implements the digital infrastructure in close cooperation. Cloud platforms, IoT connections and ERP integrations ensure seamless material flows and traceability.
Ready for circular construction?
Take advantage of the opportunities offered by urban mining in existing buildings and reduce your material requirements for new buildings and modernisations. Contact us at info@3xperts.com for a no-obligation consultation or use our digital contact form. Together with B3YOND-IT, we unlock recycling potential and design sustainable construction processes.