Revolution in the construction sector with SINK.CARBON project

The importance of the circular building economy is growing, as it conserves resources and promotes sustainable construction processes. By reusing and recycling materials, the aim is to reduce the environmental impact and enable sustainable construction methods.

„The construction and real estate industry causes a significant proportion of CO2 emissions worldwide by creating and managing buildings. It is therefore our responsibility to work against this and offer solutions to build more sustainably in the future.“ – Michael Schranz, Managing Director HANDLER Bau GmbH

 

SINK.CARBON focuses on just this approach: maximum recycling and ecological benefits. Funded by the FFG, the research project is supported by leading partners in the construction and timber industry. HANDLER, Wood K Plus, RWT Plus ZT, the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna and Waldfonds are researching a concept for the reuse and recycling of wood-hybrid construction elements, which should result in a CO2 reduction. The detachment and reconnection of bonds or processing using shredding and reassembly are being researched on a laboratory scale.

On October 7th, the approaches developed in recent years and the demonstrator were presented at HANDLER in Neutal together with all those involved and representatives of media and politics. Here, where the production of the timber system construction is located, the demonstrator will be on display until November. It will then be reassembled at research partner Wood K Plus in Tulln. Both the floor plan and the room proportions will change to illustrate the modular system. The project is scheduled for completion in 2025.

„The presented demonstrator shows how connections and entire structural elements can be repeatedly dismantled and reused with minimal impact on the building fabric. This enables not only individual materials but also entire structural elements to be introduced into a new life cycle. The system also opens up flexibility when it comes to adapting the shape and design of structures.“ – Georg Gager, Representative HANDLER Bau GmbH, Divison Manager Timber System Construction.