Achieving decarbonised and circular processes and products: the new waste cycles

This initiative, the Valdesc Project, was created to respond to the need of the construction industry to increase the transformation towards a circular economy, the digitalisation of the entire value chain and the decarbonisation of processes, products and construction systems. It also aims to improve the productivity of the sector through the industrialisation of construction systems, seeking to balance economic and social development and environmental protection. The aim of the project is to investigate and generate new knowledge related to new decarbonised and circular processes and products from the closure of cycles, with greater added value, of complex CDW material resources (mixed fine stones, ceramics, mineral wools, gypsums and light waters). To achieve the goals and objectives of the construction sector in terms of Digitalisation, Circular Economy, Decarbonisation and Industrialisation, VALDESC will address the research and development of 14 new products or processes grouped into 4 lines of action: Digital Technologies. Development of advanced interconnected digital solutions to improve the purity and value of recycled materials in new products and processes. New processes for the valorisation of complex CDW. Research into technologies to recover quality materials from complex CDW, including densimetric separation, accelerated carbonation and light waste treatment for alternative fuels. New decarbonised products. Development of products with more than 30% recycled material and a lower carbon footprint, including cement, concrete, additives and fertilizers from sludge and CDW. Industrialized Construction Systems for new façade envelope. Creation of modular solutions for façades with more than 50% recycled materials, designed to facilitate reuse in future life cycles.