1. Hydration and carbonation behaviour of selected recycled materials from SloveniaVesna Zalar Serjun, Primož Oprčkal, Anton Meden, Marta Počkaj, Romana Cerc Korošec, 2025, published scientific conference contribution Abstract: The European Union’s shift towards a circular economy emphasizes the substitution of virgin materials with recycled alternatives, particularly in the construction sector, which can accommodate large volumes of industrial by-products. Ashes from coal, biomass, paper sludge, and co-combustion processes are abundant secondary materials whose variable chemical and mineralogical compositions necessitate careful assessment to enable safe and effective reuse.This study investigates the hydration behaviour and early carbonation potential of ashes of different origin. The ashes were characterized using X-ray fluorescence, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive spectroscopy. Hydraulic reactivity was evaluated by preparing ash pastes at a 1:1 water-to-ash ratio and monitoring hydration product formation over time using XRD. Carbonation of co-combustion ash was studied under controlled CO₂ conditions (2 % CO₂, 50 % RH, 20 °C ± 1 °C) at different moisture contents (0 wt.%, 10 wt.%, 20 wt.%, and 40 wt.%) and early curing times (0 hours, 1 hours, 4 hours, and 24 hours).Results indicate distinct differences among the ashes. Paper sludge ash exhibited the most extensive formation of calcium aluminate hydrates, coal and co-combustion ashes showed moderate hydration, while biomass ash produced only minor secondary phases. Carbonation of co-combustion ash proceeded concurrently with hydration, with lime depletion and calcite formation enhanced by higher moisture and longer curing. These coupled processes influenced both the kinetics and composition of hydration products. The findings demonstrate the potential of diverse combustion ashes for valorisation in construction materials and provide insight into their reactivity under early-age hydration and carbonation conditions, supporting circular economy initiatives.
Keywords: circular economy, ashes from combustion, hydraulic activity, carbonation, phase composition, amorphous phase
Published in DiRROS: 14.01.2026; Views: 15; Downloads: 9
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2. Contribution of naturally durable wood to the circular economyKoichi Yamamoto, Tomoko Osawa, Ryu Noda, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: Total wood demand is projected by the FAO to increase by 49% between 2020 and 2050, despite deteriorating supply conditions such as deforestation and degradation due to fire and biological damage to forests. Service life extension and reuse of wood can help to mitigate this projected gap between supply and demand. Common construction timber species with moderately durable heartwood include Scots pine, Douglas fir and Japanese cedar. However, this durability varies widely among clones, growing sites and within tree trunks. The selection and utilization of highly durable clones or individuals within these timber species could contribute to extending the service life of building and civil engineering structures that are at greater risk of biodegradation, such as building façades and landscape engineering applications. The authors would like to advance the discussi- on on measures to utilize this selected timber with higher durability, including maintenance strategies and the complementary use of treated timber within the circular economy.
Keywords: circular economy, heartwood, natural durability, service life, carbon storage, laboratory decay test, standard
Published in DiRROS: 30.12.2025; Views: 276; Downloads: 120
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3. The European Union cohesion policy impact on circular economy and renewable energy : a comparison between Portugal and SloveniaErika Džajić Uršič, Bernardo Valente, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: The European Union (EU) Cohesion Policy promotes sustainable transitions. It emphasises establishing a solid Circular Economy (CE) plan and a Renewable Energy (RE) transition effort for an environment that matches the United Nations’ sustainable develop-ment goals. This article compares the impact of the European Cohesion Policy on CE prac-tices and RE in Portugal and Slovenia during the last funding programme from 2014 to 2020. Aligned with the EU Green Deal goals, this research analyses qualitative material and quantitative data in indexes crucial to track sustainability development in Portugal and Slo-venia, leading to a forecasting model for the following years (until 2027). These countries were picked due to their similarities in economic circumstances and environmentally friend-ly legal frameworks that allow comparison of the two case studies without overlooking cru-cial variables. By focusing on 12 dimensions within the CE and RE dimensions, the study aims to identify patterns contributing to a comprehensive understanding of the specific needs and strategies to strengthen project selection and implementation in both countries for the 2021-2027 EU Cohesion Policy Programme.
Keywords: European cohesion policy, circular economy, renewable energy transition, Portugal, Slovenia
Published in DiRROS: 30.12.2025; Views: 215; Downloads: 72
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4. From plastic use in the construction and built environment to state-of-the-art circular economy solutions to combat microplastic pollutionKatja Turk, Gabriela Kalčíková, Anita Jemec Kokalj, Branka Mušič, 2025, review article Abstract: Plastics are widely used in the construction and building industry, accounting for 23.5% of European plastic consumption. They can replace traditional materials in various applications, including building insulation, piping, paints, adhesives, sealants, roofing, flooring, etc., serve as key components in various composites, and are indispensable for packaging materials and elements that facilitate the construction process itself. Despite their long lifespan, building materials inevitably degrade over time, releasing microplastics (MPs) that contribute to environmental pollution. According to some estimates, annual emissions of MPs in the European Union range from 0.7 to 1.8 Mt, with building paints identified as a dominant source, contributing between 231,000 and 863,000 tons per year. However, reported numbers vary significantly across studies, reflecting the substantial uncertainties still present in quantifying MPs. Now ubiquitous across ecosystems worldwide, MPs have become one of the most pressing concerns of the scientific community, leading to a rapid expansion of research in recent years. Yet less than 0.6% of studies focus on their presence in the construction and building sector, leaving this major industry largely overlooked. This review consolidates scattered knowledge by examining the applications of plastics in the construction and built environment and their role in microplastic generation throughout the materials' life cycle, from production and application to use and end-of-life management. It also examines MPs within the broader framework of sustainable development, particularly in the transition from a linear to a circular economy, where MPs could potentially be repurposed as secondary raw materials for new products. Particular emphasis is placed on recent research exploring the incorporation of MPs into construction materials, while highlighting state-of-the-art solutions that demonstrate their potential commercial viability. Moreover, this article raises awareness of the potential risks associated with such practices, offering authors’ critical perspective on existing research and emphasizing the need for a comprehensive evaluation of their impacts. By synthesizing the current state of knowledge, this review lays the groundwork for advancing future research, developing mitigation strategies, and fostering more sustainable material management in the construction and building sector.
Keywords: microplastics, building, construction, pollution, circular economy
Published in DiRROS: 17.11.2025; Views: 202; Downloads: 147
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5. What is a circular economy champion? Defining a home-grown concept in an emerging fieldDolores Modic, Sahana Swaroop Chetan, Shajara Ul-Durar, Noman Arshed, Marco De Sisto, Nadja Damij, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: Circular economy, which aims to keep resources in production cycles and minimize waste, has emerged as a viable alternative to the traditional linear model. However, it is often criticized for being under-theorized and lacking indigenous, home-grown concepts, particularly regarding fundamental elements such as actors and actor types. This paper focuses on a specific actor: the circular economy champion. Circular economy champions can drive the transition toward a more circular economy, yet the concept remains under-conceptualized despite a growing body of literature. The aims of this study are twofold: first, to highlight the importance of home-grown concepts in emerging fields; and second, to address the ambiguity surrounding the terminology of “circular economy champion” by providing a novel conceptualization. The paper develops this concept using a family resemblance approach, employing differentiation criteria through a piecemeal method and underpinned by a theoretical review of the literature. By extending both the scope of actor types and, based on their traits, the range of their attributes, activities, and contributions to the circular economy, the concept of the circular economy champion is further delineated from related constructs and firmly defined. This contributes to circular economy discourse by proposing a novel definition of a key actor within the circular economy system, thus strengthening its theoretical foundations. Moreover, the proposed definition reduces ambiguity in understanding actors’ roles within the circular economy, further clarifying its microfoundations.
Keywords: circular economy, actor, circular economy champion, concept development
Published in DiRROS: 13.11.2025; Views: 239; Downloads: 107
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6. From Policy to Practice : EU Circular Economy Legislation and Slovenia’s Implementation Challenges—A Systematic ReviewErika Džajić Uršič, Alenka Pandiloska Jurak, Jelena Topić Božič, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: The Circular Economy (CE) has become a foundation of the European Union’s sustainability strategy, aiming to dissociate economic growth from resource use. This article examines the legislative and monitoring frameworks underpinning the European Union’s CE transition, with a particular focus on Slovenia. A systematic review conducted in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, EU-level policy analysis, and national indicator evaluation, this article explores the alignment between Slovenia’s national strategies and EU objectives. While Slovenia has demonstrated policy ambition and performs well in municipal recycling, it underperforms in circular material use and domestic material consumption. Governance fragmentation, limited sectoral integration, and monitoring challenges are key barriers. The study contributes to CE research by offering a country-level perspective on policy translation and performance. Recommendations are proposed to strengthen governance, data systems, and sector-specific roadmaps. These conclusions offer valuable insights for scholars and policymakers involved in implementing CE across multi-level governance systems.
Keywords: circular economy, EU legislation, Slovenia, policy implementation, governance, monitoring indicators, sustainability transition
Published in DiRROS: 04.11.2025; Views: 273; Downloads: 148
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7. End-of-life of renewable energy technologies in urban environments. A state-of-the-art on installation trends, materials, and best practices in the EUMarilena De Simone, Daniele Campagna, Luisa F. Cabeza, Rocío Pineda-Martos, Paulo Santos, Janez Turk, Viorel Ungureanu, Gabriel Zsembinszki, 2025, review article Abstract: The European Commission is promoting the production of thermal energy and electricity from renewable sources, coupled with storage systems, to decarbonize the built environment. However, these technologies use prevalently virgin raw materials, and end-of-life (EoL) circular frameworks are still difficult to be implemented due to technical, regulatory, and market barriers. This paper aims to present a state-of-the-art on the trends in installation, materials, EoL strategies, and companies active in renewable energy systems recycling. Solar, wind, and geothermal sources are examples of technologies easily incorporated into cities. The purpose is to provide information to stakeholders that should design technical solutions according to circularity criteria. The information, from both scientific and grey literature, showed that solar technologies represent the most widespread type of systems, with a considerable number of best practices and companies specialized in recycling. Wind technology follows in installation trends and activity of reuse-oriented companies. Geothermal, on the other hand, offers a reduced number of reference examples. Furthermore, this review provides an overview of the installation and potential EoL scenarios of electrical and thermal energy storage systems, highlighting significant differences in the implementation of circularity strategies. The study closes with considerations and suggestions for practical applications.
Keywords: circular economy, end-of-life, solar energy, wind energy, geothermal energy, built environment
Published in DiRROS: 18.09.2025; Views: 306; Downloads: 165
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8. Deliverable 2.2.1. : scouting report:George Ntalos, Dimitrios Koutsianitis, Andromachi Mitani, Konstantinos Ninikas, Pinelopi Alexaki, Dimitra Dimou, Polona Hafner, Jožica Gričar, Erika Valentinčič, Goran Rodić, Saša Karalić, 2025, final research report Keywords: circular economy, sustainable materials, best practices
Published in DiRROS: 10.09.2025; Views: 343; Downloads: 173
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9. Deliverable 2.1.1. : scouting report:George Ntalos, Dimitrios Koutsianitis, Andromachi Mitani, Konstantinos Ninikas, Pinelopi Alexaki, Dimitra Dimou, Polona Hafner, Jožica Gričar, Erika Valentinčič, Goran Rodić, Saša Karalić, 2025, final research report Keywords: circular economy, sustainable materials, best practices
Published in DiRROS: 10.09.2025; Views: 317; Downloads: 164
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10. Innovative solutions for valorization of desalination brineAna Rotter, Baruch Rinkevich, Irem Deniz, Maggie M. Reddy, Mariana Girão, Maria F. Carvalho, Nina Gunde-Cimerman, Cene Gostinčar, Mercedes Cueto, Ernesta Grigalionyte-Bembič, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: Desalination is becoming increasingly important to meet the growing demand for freshwater. However, a major drawback of this technology is the production of hypersaline brine. This by-product contains salts and contaminants that have been removed during the desalination process, including antiscalants, cleaning agents, heavy metals, and organic compounds. Instead of disposing of this brine and causing environmental harm, new strategies should be developed to transform brine from a burden into an opportunity with environmental and economic benefits. Brine can harbor halotolerant and halophilic microorganisms, making it a valuable resource for studying microbial diversity, adaptations and exploring untapped biotechnological opportunities in pharmaceutical, industrial, and ecological fields. We propose two strategies of innovation: (i) using brine to cultivate micro- and macro-organisms, both of which can create circular economy models tailored to global and local needs. (ii) In addition, the amount of brine generated by desalination plants can be reduced by integrating or coupling them with biodesalination modules. These modules would harness halotolerant and halophilic organisms to retain and assimilate salts, reducing the environmental impact of desalination.
Keywords: desalination, brine, environmental impact, circular economy, biotechnology
Published in DiRROS: 08.09.2025; Views: 363; Downloads: 161
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