Futurebuild: Challenges and opportunities for a sustainable future in construction

23. 09. 2024

The Ljubljana Technology Park dedicated one of its round tables at the Technology Arena, which took place on Thursday, September 19, to the construction industry.

As the lead partner of the DECORATOR project, we emphasised the importance of reusing materials, advanced technologies and the circular economy in the construction sector. The transition to more sustainable practises is crucial for the future of the construction industry, which will be based on innovation and responsible use of resources.

The round table was a continuation of the World Café, moderated by Gašper Juvančič, DECORATOR project manager at the Ljubljana Technology Park. He and the participants first focused on the main challenges and opportunities of the circular economy in the construction sector. They discussed all stages of the construction cycle - from the initial planning and informed choice of materials to the use, reuse and final demolition of buildings. Some industry participants emphasized that a sustainable future of construction goes beyond technical solutions; it requires a holistic approach that combines environmental, technological, cultural and economic factors.

Particular emphasis was placed on the importance of the circular economy and the role of advanced technologies in enabling the transition to sustainable construction practices. It was discussed how building materials can become part of metabolic cycles - instead of being seen as waste, they can be seen as "nutrients" that can be continuously recycled and reused in new processes.

The round table emphasized the need for collaboration between different sectors and the creation of new alliances in which technology and culture are intertwined. Innovative examples from the region were used to demonstrate how local knowledge and progressive approaches can support the development of a more sustainable construction industry that will be more resilient and resource efficient in the future. We were very pleased that a participant from Croatia visited us. This gives us the impetus to make our projects and good intentions known beyond our borders.

Many thanks to everyone who took part and contributed to a fruitful debate!

The DECORATOR project started on 1.1.2024 and will run until 30.6.2026. The DECORATOR project is co-funded by the Interreg Danube Programme.