Residual Value Calculator for buildings
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One major issue in the reuse of construction materials is that people are not aware of the value that is still in the product, especially the added value beyond the sheer material value (labour, repair potential etc). As a consequence, many construction materials are not being reused although they offer good opportunities to do so. TNO and C2C ExpoLab have created a methodology and a tool to measure the remaining value in materials, which should incentivise reuse or reselling. In the long term, this may even lead to the development of new business models if the perception of value in construction products changes.
Problem
Many building components are being removed before they have actually reached the technical end of their life-cycle. Even if they are being recycled into new materials, this leads to a loss in value because the work put into the product is lost. For example, interior walls in offices are often destroyed or recycled when the office layout gets changed, although they could be used for multiple years. The main issue in reusing components is that people are not aware of the potential in goods, so that they choose the easiest way, i.e. recycling.
Solution
TNO and C2C ExpoLab are looking to develop a solution for this lack of information by creating a model for the remaining value in construction parts. The thinking behind the initiative is that if people were aware of the value that can still be found in a product, they would be more likely to reuse or resell it. The model does not just quantify the value of materials, but also tries to include the value of work and the costs of disassembly and maintenance, leading to an easy evaluation.
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