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. Addressing this pressing issue is the central aim of this research.
Welcome to Dung Beetle, a web application developed under the auspices of the University of Liechtenstein, offering an innovative response to the global waste problem in the construction industry. Led by Piotr Piotrowski and supervised by Prof. Daniel Stockhammer and Prof. Andreas Putz, Dung Beetle uses Building Information Modelling (BIM) to support the transition from a linear to a circular economy.
Dung Beetle is a BIM-assisted material bank that analyses the circularity potential of buildings based on the geometric and material data contained within BIM models. It functions as a virtual warehouse, cataloguing items available for salvage. At the same time, it serves as a shopfront for reusable products, helping buyers identify suitable materials and supporting matchmaking between stakeholders involved in the reuse process. In doing so, it simplifies access to deconstruction, logistics, physical storage, repair, aftermarket warranties and financial services related to reuse. Finally, it supports product traceability through QR-coded product reports.
Curious to see how the platform works? You are welcome to explore Dung Beetle using a demo account. The demo offers an overview of the platform’s key features and allows visitors to experience its general workflow and functionality. Please note that the demo account has limited access rights and is intended for demonstration purposes only.