1. Implementation and consideration of circularity within international sustainability assessment methodsChristina Giarma, Patrizia Lombardi, Rand Askar, Nika Trubina, Daniela Santana Tovar, Adriana Salles, Hasan Volkan Oral, Rocío Pineda-Martos, Aikaterina Karanafti, Bahar Feizollahbeig, Ricardo Mateus, Sara Torabi Moghadam, Janez Turk, Ruben Paul Borg, Luís Bragança, 2025, objavljeni znanstveni prispevek na konferenci Povzetek: The construction sector is a major contributor to environmental degradation, prompting the need for integrating sustainability into its practices. This need has driven the development of sustainability assessment methods across various scales of the built environment. Simultaneously, the recent emphasis on Circular Economy (CE) principles has introduced challenges in translating these principles into measurable outcomes within the construction sector. This study aims to investigate the extent to which circularity principles are embedded within existing sustain- ability assessment methods for new buildings. The study begins by addressing the interrelationships and distinctions between circularity and sustainability concepts, establishing a foundation for the subsequent analysis. Five internationally recognised sustainability assessment methods for new buildings—BREEAM, DGNB, LEED, Level(s), SBTool—were examined to assess their incorporation of circularity aspects. Each component of these methods was scrutinised for alignment with the 10 circularity strategies outlined in the well-established 10-R framework of waste hierarchy. Expert groups, consisting of CircularB COST Action members, independently evaluated the methods and provided opinions on the direct and indirect associations between the assessed components and the 10-R principles. Disagreements were resolved through group discussions. The analysis revealed varying degrees of integration and explicit reference to circularity principles across the assessed methods. The study also highlighted the subjectivity inherent in identifying correlations and the challenges connected to linking certain circularity-related concepts in the built environment—such as resilience and adaptability—with the 10-R strategies. The findings underscore the need for a more in-depth analysis before making direct comparisons of the integration of circularity principles among different sustainability assessment methods, given their methodological differences. The study also identifies directions for future research. Ključne besede: circular economy, sustainability, buildings’ Sustainability assessment, 10-R Framework Objavljeno v DiRROS: 18.12.2024; Ogledov: 86; Prenosov: 62 Celotno besedilo (79,20 MB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
2. Circular economy best practices in the built environmentGenesis Camila Cervantes Puma, Adriana Salles, Janez Turk, Vlatka Rajčić, Magdalena Gómez Puche, Kinga Korniejenko, Themistoklis Tsalkatidis, Vanessa Tavares, Rocío Pineda-Martos, Tatiana Ruchinskaya, Luís Bragança, 2025, objavljeni znanstveni prispevek na konferenci Povzetek: This document serves as the opening chapter of a book that addresses the critical issue of resource depletion in the built environment, illustrating the unsustainable trends in current construction and demolition practices that extensively rely on new raw materials. It highlights the significant impact of the building sector on global resource consumption, energy utilization, and waste generation, with alarming statistics such as buildings accounting for 40% of the world’s extracted materials and a significant source of waste and greenhouse gas emissions. Advocating for a transformative shift towards a circular economy in the built environment, the text emphasizes sustainable and regenerative economic practices that minimize waste and maximize resource efficiency. This approach necessitates the redesign of systems to ensure the durability, reparability, and recyclability of construction materials, thereby promoting a model where waste is systematically eliminated and materials are continually repurposed. The document also discusses the 10R strategy, which centres on minimizing waste and enhancing resource efficiency, and explores various circular practices within the construction sector. It includes examples from case studies and best practices to demonstrate the viability and advantages of adopting circular economy principles. The challenges and success factors in implementing such practices are thoroughly examined, emphasizing the urgent need for increased awareness, supportive policies, and robust stakeholder collaboration to foster a more sustainable and resource-efficient built environment. The first chapter sets the stage for a detailed exploration of these themes throughout the book’s subsequent sections. Ključne besede: circular economy, built environment, sustainable construction, resource efficiency Objavljeno v DiRROS: 18.12.2024; Ogledov: 91; Prenosov: 62 Celotno besedilo (2,62 MB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
3. Stabilization of fish protein‐based adhesive by reduction of its hygroscopicityBranka Mušič, Jaka Gašper Pečnik, Andreja Pondelak, 2024, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Protein-based fish adhesives have historically been used in various bonding applications; however, due to the protein’s high affinity for water absorption, these adhesives become destabilized in high-moisture environments, resulting in reduced bondline strength and early failure. This limitation makes them unsuitable for industrial applications with higher demands. To address this issue, water-insoluble raw powder materials such as iron, copper, or zeolite were incorporated into natural fish adhesives. In this study, the hygroscopicity, dry matter content, thermal analysis (TGA/DSC), FT-IR spectroscopy, surface tension measurements, vapour permeability, and scanning electron microscope (SEM) of the modified adhesives were determined. In addition, the bonding properties of the modified adhesives were evaluated by the tensile shear strength of the lap joints, and mould growth was visually inspected. The resulting modified protein-based adhesives demonstrated improved stability in high humidity environments. Enhancing the hygroscopic properties of protein-based fish adhesives has the potential to unlock new opportunities and applications, providing a healthier and more environmentally sustainable alternative to petroleum-based adhesives. Ključne besede: protein‐based adhesive, polymer stabilization, hygroscopicity, fish adhesive modification, fish industry waste, circular economy, bonding properties Objavljeno v DiRROS: 12.08.2024; Ogledov: 446; Prenosov: 368 Celotno besedilo (15,12 MB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
4. Identification of marine biotechnology value chains with high potential in the Northern Mediterranean regionAna Rotter, Antonia Giannakourou, Jesús E. Argente García, Grazia Marina Quero, Charlène Auregan, Ernesta Grigalionyte-Bembič, Jan Ulčar, 2023, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Marine (blue) biotechnology is an emerging field enabling the valorization of new products and processes with massive potential for innovation and economic growth. In the Mediterranean region, this innovation potential is not exploited as well as in other European regions due to a lack of a clear identification of the different value chains and the high fragmentation of business innovation initiatives. As a result, several opportunities to create an innovative society are being missed. To address this problem, eight Northern Mediterranean countries (Croatia, France, Greece, Italy, Montenegro, Portugal, Slovenia and Spain) established five national blue biotechnology hubs to identify and address the bottlenecks that prevent the development of marine biotechnology in the region. Following a three-step approach (1. Analysis: setting the scene; 2. Transfer: identification of promising value chains; 3. Capitalization: community creation), we identified the three value chains that are most promising for the Northern Mediterranean region: algae production for added-value compounds, integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) and valorization aquaculture/fisheries/processing by-products, unavoidable/unwanted catches and discards. The potential for the development and the technical and non-technical skills that are necessary to advance in this exciting field were identified through several stakeholder events which provided valuable insight and feedback that should be addressed for marine biotechnology in the Northern Mediterranean region to reach its full potential. Ključne besede: marine biotechnology, blue biotechnology, innovation, value chains, Northern Mediterranean, microalgae, macroalgae, IMTA, circular economy, discards valorization Objavljeno v DiRROS: 12.07.2024; Ogledov: 339; Prenosov: 220 Celotno besedilo (2,41 MB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
5. Site-specific dataset of mining and metallurgical residues for resource managementCarlo Cormio, Marta Fernández-Alonso, Peter Cleall, Soraya Heuss-Aßbichler, Daniela Guglietta, Danielle Sinnett, Katalin Szabó, Gorazd Žibret, Maria Teresa Carvalho, Ulrich Kral, Tim T. Werner, Bruno Lemiere, 2024, drugi znanstveni članki Povzetek: This geospatial dataset provides a compilation of findings from an evidence-based review of site-specific resource assessments of mining and metallurgical residues. Information pertaining to location, target material, geological knowledge, extractability, resource classification and stakeholder perspectives was collected from publicly available reports, articles, academic theses, and databases. The dataset includes 44 relevant data attributes from 64 mining and metallurgical sites in 27 countries. Resource classification is available for 38 sites. The dataset can be used by evaluators of recovery projects, authorities that provide permits, as well as by decision makers in support of developing regulatory policies. The dataset facilitates future addition of sites by the research community and can be further used as a starting point to bridge the estimates on recoverable quantities to the United Nations Framework Classification (UNFC). The UNFC is a universally applicable scheme for the sustainable management of all energy, primary and secondary mineral resources. Its use is stimulated by the European Commission and is intended to be adopted by geological surveys to harmonize the data on the availability of primary and secondary raw materials in Europe in future. Ključne besede: resources, reserves, mining waste, secondary raw materials, tailings, geodatabase, circular economy, resource assessment Objavljeno v DiRROS: 10.06.2024; Ogledov: 362; Prenosov: 201 Celotno besedilo (2,19 MB) |
6. Utilisation of reused steel and slag : analysing the circular economy benefits through three case studiesGenesis Camila Cervantes Puma, Adriana Salles, Janez Turk, Viorel Ungureanu, Luís Bragança, 2024, pregledni znanstveni članek Povzetek: This research explores sustainable construction practices focusing on material reuse, specifically reclaimed structural steel and slag. In general, the building stock is not designed for deconstruction, and material recovery for reuse at the end of life of buildings is complex and challenging. The study evaluates the benefits of content reuse through a thorough analysis of three case studies— BedZED eco-friendly housing, Angus Technopôle building, and the use of steel slag aggregate in road construction. It highlights the value of reclaimed structural steel and by-products like steel slag in waste reduction, energy conservation, and resource preservation. The BedZED case study showcases recycled steel’s cost-effectiveness and economic viability in construction, while the Angus Technopôle building exemplifies the adaptive reuse of an old steel frame building. Additionally, the third case study showcases the benefits of using Electric Arc Furnace C slag in asphalt-wearing courses, highlighting the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and environmental impact. The versatility of reclaimed structural steel and slag is evident in integrating material reuse in building construction and road infrastructure. These case studies illustrate the potential for reusing steel and its by-products in various construction contexts, from eco-friendly housing to road development. Therefore, the study aims to demonstrate the feasibility and benefits of sustainable practices within the construction industry by showcasing the successful incorporation of reclaimed steel and slag in these projects. Considering the significant contributions of building construction to global greenhouse gas emissions, raw material extraction, and waste production, the study advocates for adopting circular economy (CE) principles within the construction industry. Finally, the analysis of case studies underscores the advantages of reclaimed structural steel and the valorisation of steel slag through the lens of CE and their contribution to sustainable development. Ključne besede: circular economy, reused steel, steel slag aggregate, reclaimed steel, steel members Objavljeno v DiRROS: 12.04.2024; Ogledov: 671; Prenosov: 255 Celotno besedilo (1,17 MB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
7. Green transition in slovenian building and civil engineering industry : 10 years of research on alkali-activated materials and alkali-activated foamsBarbara Horvat, Branka Mušič, 2024, objavljeni znanstveni prispevek na konferenci (vabljeno predavanje) Povzetek: The building and civil engineering industry yearly causes more than 40% of man-made CO2 and consumes raw materials for two-thirds of Mont Everest. To decrease the carbon footprint and consumption of raw materials, alkali-activated materials (AAMs) are researched as an alternative to conventional building and civil engineering products like cements, mortar, and ceramics. Ideally, locally available waste materials are used as ingredients: (i) as precursors that react with alkali and form an aluminosilicate network, and (ii) as fillers that get permanently encapsulated and safely stored in AAMs. The addition of gas bubbles and lightweight fillers transforms AAMs into alkali-activated foams and alkali-activated lightweight materials that have the potential to be used as thermal and acoustic insulation materials. Although AAMs are researched worldwide, this review focuses on the state-of-the-art localised solely to Slovenia, particularly on the materials and curing procedures used, as well as on the scientific contribution of the basic research. Besides, the year 2024 marks 10 years of research on alkali activation of raw and waste inorganic materials in Slovenia. Ključne besede: secondary raw material, alkali-activated material, alkali-activated foams, alkali, circular economy, microwave irradiation, mechanical strength Objavljeno v DiRROS: 12.03.2024; Ogledov: 590; Prenosov: 465 Celotno besedilo (84,58 MB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
8. Degradation and Stabilization of Polymer MaterialsBranka Mušič, Andrijana Sever Škapin, 2023, drugi znanstveni članki Ključne besede: polymer-based materials, nano, micro, and macro composites, effects on (micro) organisms and toxicity, impact on the ecosystem, mechanisms and products of accelerated aging and degradation, physical, chemical, mechanical, thermal, and morphological, analysis, biodegradability, sustainability, life cycle, renewable and recycled resources and the circular economy Objavljeno v DiRROS: 21.12.2023; Ogledov: 779; Prenosov: 319 Celotno besedilo (226,05 KB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
9. Mining waste in circular economy - legislative aspectSenko Pličanič, Ana Mladenovič, Alenka Mauko Pranjić, Petra Vrhovnik, 2020, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: One of the common European commitments is a transition towards a green circular economy in which waste is not discarded and considered to be just an environmental problem, but should be recognized as an important potential source of raw materials for industry. In a priority order in waste management activities, introduced by the Waste Directive in 2012, recycling is set just behind the waste prevention and reuse. Many types of waste can be recycled, the most perspective being construction, industrial and mining wastes. The latter are produced and disposed of at mine sites during the excavation and processing of ore and are extremely perspective due to large quantities and remaining of different metals, however still underutilized, with low recycling rate. Many mining wastes are inert and do not releases contaminants into environment, however, some of them are problematic and even require monitoring. Reprocessing of these wastes, which include beneficiation and sequential extraction of valuable metals in the first phase and recycling of residues in both structural and civil engineering in the second phase establishes a zero waste model with several benefits for economy, environment and society. Out of the South-East European countries, North Macedonia has great potential to establish this model. As a consequence of long mining tradition and abundant ore resources, there are many mining and metallurgical tailings, on the other hand vivid economy and numerous sinks for use of recycled materials in construction sector can accommodate these quantities. However, there are open questions in terms of administrative procedures and legislation. What are those obstacles that accompany the smooth establishment of the proposed model from a legislative point of view? This paper deals with the situation in North Macedonia, in terms of opportunities, legislative options and the need to adopt new legislation, taking also into account the current problems in this field in Europe. Ključne besede: circular economy, zero-waste approach, mining waste, construction sector, legislation, krožno gospodarstvo, pristop ničelnega odpadka, rudarski odpadki, gradbeništvo, zakonodaja Objavljeno v DiRROS: 04.12.2023; Ogledov: 654; Prenosov: 313 Celotno besedilo (435,68 KB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
10. Pilot production of façade panels : variability of mix designMajda Pavlin, Barbara Horvat, Vilma Ducman, 2023, objavljeni znanstveni prispevek na konferenci Povzetek: As part of the WOOL2LOOP project, the Slovenian National Building and Civil Engineering Institute (ZAG), in collaboration with Termit d.d. were responsible for the production of façade panels. An initial mix design was developed at ZAG, where alkali-activated façade panels were produced, primarily from stone wool waste, while production took place at Termit. The mix design was changed twice during the pilot production, before a final product with suitable durability was developed. A compressive strength of up to 60 MPa and bending strength of approximately 20 MPa was achieved. The mechanical properties, however, varied, due to the unevenly milled batches of the milled mineral wool. Milling on a larger scale is very challenging, and it is difficult to obtain consistent quality of the milled material. Once the correct curing process had been found, however, the panels produced showed good performance. Moreover, the results from leaching tests showed that the elevated concentrations of certain elements (Cr, As and Mo) did not exceed the legal limits for non- hazardous waste. Ključne besede: waste mineral wool, alkali activated material, façade panels, pilot production, circular economy Objavljeno v DiRROS: 28.11.2023; Ogledov: 662; Prenosov: 325 Celotno besedilo (1000,34 KB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |