In the construction industry demolition waste poses a significant problem. It forms the largest waste stream in Liechtenstein, Switzerland, EU, US, Australia and China, amplifying the urgency for more sustainable approaches to building and demolition. It is this pressing issue that this research aims to tackle.
Welcome to Dung Beetle, a web application developed under the auspices of the University of Liechtenstein, that offers an innovative solution for addressing the global waste issue in the construction industry. Spearheaded by Piotr Piotrowski and supervised by Prof. Daniel Stockhammer and Prof. Andreas Putz, Dung Beetle leverages Building Information Modelling (BIM) to promote a shift from a linear to a circular economy.
This tool allows architects to utilize BIM technology to analyze their designs, helping to assess the deconstruction potential and the end-of-life impact of their buildings. Dung Beetle also provides access to IFC models of parts for potential reuse, integrating them seamlessly into the planning process and easing the search for reusable components.
By transitioning from the conventional 'take, make, dispose' model to the more sustainable 'make, use, recycle, re-use' approach, Dung Beetle is a valuable aid for architects and builders seeking to reduce the environmental impact of their projects. Join us in using Dung Beetle to tackle the demolition waste problem and contribute to building a more sustainable future.
If you're an architect, builder, or involved in a construction project that might be intended for demolition in the coming decade, your contribution can be crucial to our research. Whether your project was planned using ArchiCAD or you have available IFC data, we are interested.
Help us discover your project's reuse potential and contribute to a more sustainable construction industry. Please contact us to participate or for further details. Your involvement can make a significant difference in addressing the construction waste problem.