Satu Huuhka: Recreating construction for circularity

The seminar explores how the construction sector’s transition from a linear to a circular model can be facilitated. As the theoretical background, It draws on the multi-level perspective to technology and sustainability transitions, as presented by Geels (2002, 2019). As the case study, the Horizon 2020 project, ‘Reusing Precast Concrete for a Circular Economy’ (ReCreate) will be discussed, which is led by the speaker.

In this project, companies and stakeholders of the construction sector – both project partners and external actors – have come together to develop knowledge, technology, processes, skills, regulation and business out of reuse. Using Geels’ theory as the backdrop, the simultaneous development of all the aforementioned aspects is necessary to catalyse a circularity transition will be argued and demonstrated. This transition fundamentally changes how the construction sector is organised.

This keynote is part of the Building Beyond Borders Symposium, Two keynote speakers, one from academics and one from architectural practice, who have an extensive expertise in the given domain will highlight different perspectives on the topics raised.

Click here for more information about the keynote & the registration form Also interesting: the keynote of Michael Smith Masis
07 februari 2025
09h00 - 10h30
UHasselt, Campus Oude Gevangenis, Martelarenlaan 42, 3500 Hasselt
Recreate Aleksanterikatu21 17 Recreate Aleksanterikatu21 17

Building Beyond Borders Symposium is a two-yearly event, complementing the postgraduate cycle with in-depth reflection. The symposium sets up a broad conversation and reflection on the topic and live project of its most recent postgraduate edition. In doing so, we want to build an international network of thinkers and do-ers to cast the foundations for more regenerative and distributive solutions and approaches in the building sector, both in the Global North and the Global South.

Recreating construction for circularity

In this presentation, I discuss how the construction sector’s transition from linear to circular can be facilitated. As the theoretical background, I rely on the multi-level perspective to technology and sustainability transitions, as presented by Geels (2002, 2019). As the case study, I refer to the Horizon 2020 project ‘Reusing precast concrete for a circular economy’ (ReCreate), which I lead. In this project, companies and stakeholders of the construction sector – both project partners and external actors – have come together to develop knowledge, technology, processes, skills, regulation and business out of reuse. Using Geels’ theory as the backdrop, I argue and demonstrate that the simultaneous development of all the aforementioned aspects is necessary to catalyse a circularity transition, which fundamentally changes how the construction sector is organised.

About Satu Huuhka

As the professor of sustainable renovation, Satu Huuhka leads the Renovation & Circular Economy Transition (ReCET) research group at Tampere University. Under Satu’s leadership, ReCET does research on all aspects of circular construction, but focuses particularly on reusing existing assets – whole buildings and their components and materials. Their joint mission is to catalyse the circularity transition in the construction sector.

Credits picture header: Tampere University/Eetu Lehmusvaara

Timing and location:

  • Friday February 7th 2025
  • 09h00 - 10h30
  • UHasselt Campus Old Prison, Martelarenlaan 42, 3500 Hasselt (Aula Roppe)

Registration

More information

Click here for more information about the keynote & the registration form
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