A digital ecosystem for circular end-of-life processes in construction

The construction industry accounts for a significant proportion of global CO₂ emissions and waste. Particularly at the end of a building's life cycle, valuable resources are lost due to inadequate documentation and a lack of demolition planning. This is where DiCYCLE comes in – with a digital approach to the systematic recording, tracking and reuse of building materials and components.

Why DiCYCLE?

• Demolition is crucial for conserving resources – but is often inadequately supported by digital technology.
• As-built BIM models enable the precise documentation of buildings – right through to demolition.
• Blockchain and smart contracts create trust, transparency and legal certainty.
• New business models are emerging through digital tracking and documented material cycles.

Project

DiCYCLE is developing a framework that integrates digital technologies such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), Blockchain (BC) and Smart Contracts (SC) to rethink demolition, reuse and recycling processes in the construction industry.

The goal is a consistent digital building model that:

• Integrates end-of-life-relevant data structures into BIM,
• documents material flows and data changes during the life cycle,
• enables the reusability of building components to be assessed at an early stage,
• and ensures reliable material documentation through blockchain-based tracking.

This results in digital tools and standards for:

• Mapping the actual as-built condition,
• Verification of information and processes via blockchain technology,
• and automated implementation of legally binding processes via smart contracts.

Vision

DiCYCLE builds on the findings of the BIMd.sign (planning) and FMChain (operation) projects and expands them to include the perspective of deconstruction.

The project sees itself as a key component for a circular construction industry that combines digitalisation and sustainability in the sense of a holistic material cycle.