Circular Value Chains
In Twente, we are working on circular value chains to contribute to a sustainable future. Find out how we create value for the region and the world through collaboration and innovation.
Circular Value Chains
Reusing existing materials in the construction and infrastructure sectors is not yet standard practice. The Circular Value Chains project aims to change that.
The message is simple: in the (design and) construction or renovation of housing and the development of roads, as much existing material as possible should be reused. If that isn’t feasible, renewable (biobased) materials should be used. The project aims to foster collaboration across the entire chain: farmers, builders, architects, housing associations, as well as municipalities and educational institutions are joining forces within this project. The goal is to increase the share of reused and biobased materials in construction and infrastructure. In this way, our region is addressing sustainability challenges in both the agricultural and construction sectors. Moreover, it drives new economic activity and revenue models.
The challenges we currently face are piling up. "In Twente, as in the rest of the Netherlands, we have a substantial building task ahead of us, while resources are scarce. At the same time, we have many materials in the built environment that can be reused. Farmers are also seeking ways to continue farming sustainably and in harmony with their surroundings," explains Janneke Paalhaar, who, along with Eric Versteeg, is a chain coordinator with Twentse Bouwboeren. Together with Joke Bults and Jan Wienk, innovation managers at Pioneering, she leads the Circular Value Chains project. "Maximising the reuse of existing materials and using biobased materials is the solution. For this, collaboration across the entire chain is essential. Twente provides fertile ground for taking swift action on this."
Re-use
Doing absolutely nothing is, of course, the most circular approach. “But if you do need to build a house or construct a road, we want to prioritise reusing as much existing material as possible,” says Joke Bults. “This requires a different approach, where clients like municipalities and housing corporations use a standardised request and approach that applies the circular value chain. Based on this standardised request, businesses can offer appropriate solutions. When houses and roads are demolished, materials with inherent value become available. In a circular system, we aim to make the most of this. Our goal is to establish a materials hub where existing materials can be stored in the highest possible quality for reuse. The materials would remain owned by entities like municipalities and housing corporations, who would then only pay contractors for their services.”
“We also want to work with recycling centres,” Joke adds. “If the quantity of material is insufficient for contractors, it may still be suitable for individual consumers. They might just need that one door or a specific type of roof tile.”
Biobased
"If sufficient existing material cannot be reused, the aim is to make maximum use of biobased materials," says Joke.
“Biobased materials are derived from agricultural crops and serve as alternatives to traditional construction materials,” adds Eric Versteeg. “Fibre hemp, straw, and elephant grass are excellent for use as, for example, building insulation. These crops absorb a lot of CO₂, require no pesticides, need less fertiliser, and are more resistant to drought. In the past, they were also used for building houses, but they were eventually replaced by cheaper construction materials, which diminished supply and demand. However, if builders know they are available, they are open to using them. For farmers without successors or those needing to reduce livestock, cultivating fibre hemp, straw, and elephant grass could provide an alternative revenue model. We aim to establish this chain: from land to building.”
Supply chain coorperation
Maximising reuse and the use of biobased materials requires, as mentioned, collaboration across the entire chain: from farmers to the construction sector, architects, housing associations, market players, producers, as well as municipalities and educational institutions. “The Twentse Bouwboeren project started last year, and we have organised several chain meetings,” says Janneke. “Around 70 people attended each session, leading to 35 parties signing a declaration of intent to move forward with this initiative.”
“Everything we do falls under the Building Balance programme. Building Balance initiates, stimulates, and supports independent regional and national chains. They provide support to the regions and ensure alignment and knowledge sharing. We are part of a national approach to biobased construction, involving various ministries. It’s wonderful that we can learn from one another, but we want to establish this as regionally as possible. This benefits the region and also reduces CO₂ emissions,” Janneke concludes.
Contact Janine Swaak. Pojectmanager Circular Value Chains
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