KaydeeSayfa Managing Director, Lazar Delchev, recently sat down with Dr. Alabid of the University of Bradford to discuss an increasingly relevant topic: "Sustainability Meets Cost Saving – The Benefits of Repurposing Building Products, Furnishings, and Materials." Their discussion covered a range of important insights into repurposing materials in construction from both academic and practical perspectives, enriched with real-world examples.
Introduction
Dr. Alabid is an Assistant Professor in Architectural Technology at the University of Bradford and a Chartered Architectural Technologist (MCIAT). With a strong background in the built environment, Dr. Alabid specializes in sustainable architecture, Net Zero Buildings, and retrofitting.
Lazar Delchev has been with KaydeeSayfa (previously Sayfa Systems UK) for over six years, rising through the ranks while gaining extensive experience in the construction industry and learning the intricacies of successful project delivery.
What Do We Mean by Repurposing Materials?
Repurposing materials in construction offers significant benefits in terms of cost savings and sustainability. However, it’s essential to distinguish repurposing from other approaches like recycling or reusing. In this discussion, Dr. Alabid and Lazar explore the differences between these methods, with practical examples demonstrating how each can be implemented.
Project Benefits of Repurposing Materials (cost etc)
There are numerous benefits to repurposing materials, including reductions in new material costs and embodied carbon. Dr. Alabid provides real-world examples where repurposed materials helped meet sustainability targets and reduce costs. However, they also point out that these advantages are often overlooked due to a lack of understanding.
Project Cost Saving
Embodied Carbon & Processing Emissions
Circular Economy
Dr. Alabid highlights the potential for repurposing to contribute to a circular economy. Widespread adoption of this practice could lead to the creation of new businesses and skill sets, including artisans specializing in repurposed materials, while not significantly harming new material manufacturers.
Challenges facing Repurposing Materials
Despite its many advantages, repurposing materials still faces obstacles in mainstream adoption. Dr. Alabid and Lazar discuss these challenges, which include a lack of awareness, technical hurdles, and contractor hesitation, making it less attractive to some in the construction industry.
Improvements to Help Achieve Sustainability Goals
As sustainability becomes a pressing global issue, it is critical for the construction industry to make concerted efforts to minimize its environmental impact. While sustainability standards such as BREEAM and movements like Passive House have promoted greener practices, Dr. Alabid and Lazar argue that these standards are not yet doing enough to encourage the broader adoption of sustainable initiatives.
Future of Repurposing Materials
In their closing thoughts, Dr. Alabid and Lazar look to the future, discussing how the industry is beginning to embrace repurposing and the potential long-term benefits of wider adoption. They envision a future where repurposing materials becomes a norm, driving sustainability while still allowing for growth and innovation.
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