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Circular intelligence in design and construction

We believe that the circular economy is the solution to all environmental sustainability challenges in the built environment. It offers numerous opportunities to promote sustainable development, improve resource efficiency, mitigate climate change and prevent biodiversity loss.

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Circular intelligence as a solution for the circular economy

For the circular economy to become a reality in the built environment, mindsets and practices need to change, both in design and construction. In the future, new buildings should be constructed using materials derived from the built environment. This requires circular intelligence.

In short, circular intelligence is a way of thinking and working that combines design, data and collaboration.

In circular design, the principles of the circular economy are not just an isolated or retrofitted element, but the design is based on them from the outset and holistically.

Circular design and construction requires documented data on the built environment - for example, digital building material catalogs and digital twins of buildings that allow for the traceability and reuse of building materials and components in future projects.

To ensure an intelligent circulation of materials and resources, cooperation between different actors needs to be strengthened. Circular intelligence is achieved when designers, architects, contractors, clients and users follow its principles.

Do you need help with implementing circular intelligence in your project, but don't know where to start? Our circularity workshop is designed to get you on track.

"Circular intelligence means extending and linking life cycles, saving resources and designing for the future."

Principles for designing and building with circular intelligence

There are many ways to promote circular intelligence at different stages of a project. Following the principles of design and construction for circular intelligence will guide the way towards a circularly intelligent environment.

1. We extend life cycles

  • We make the most of existing buildings, spaces, land and building components.
  •  We diversify the use of space and enable new uses for existing facilities.
  • We design spaces and buildings to be adaptable for high utilisation rates and long service life.
  • We design for future resilience, taking into account factors such as climate change.

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2. We save natural resources

  • We reuse building components and materials instead of virgin materials.
  • We design for material efficiency, minimise waste, and optimise repairability.
  • We develop solutions for renewable energy, as well as energy and water circulation, in buildings, industrial processes, and urban areas.
  • We select materials that are durable, recyclable, and have a low environmental footprint.
  • We preserve biodiversity, for example through zoning, landscape, and stormwater design.
  • We minimise environmental impacts during construction through low‑emission worksites and recycling.

 

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3. We connect life cycles

  • We enable the circular economy by integrating data on building components and materials into digital models.
  • We design with end-of-life in mind, for example for intact deconstruction or relocation.
  • We survey building components and materials in deconstruction projects and direct them to reuse or recycling.
  • We facilitate the safe, efficient, and impactful reuse of materials through data and innovation.
  • We minimise the amount of waste ending up in landfills and ensure a recovery rate of at least 70%.
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Circular intelligence lives in AINS Group

Every one of our designers and consultants is part of the circular economy solution. We are determined to grow our expertise and actively bring ways to reduce resource use, implement circular economy principles and improve energy circulation to projects.

We assess our success in implementing circular intelligence through our environmental handprint, which we measure with a handprint meter we developed ourselves. 

We are purposefully developing both new services and digital tools to help our clients harness smart circular economy solutions as part of their projects.

Harness circular intelligence as part of your project

Circular intelligence is about the circulation of all resources. In addition to materials and building components, it also takes into account, for example, energy and water cycles.

Circular intelligence can be integrated into any project. We provide both circular intelligence expertise and services that promote circularity.

You get the greatest benefit from circular intelligence when it is considered right from the very start of the project, as the most critical guiding decisions are made in the early stages.

BOOK A CIRCULAR ECONOMY WORKSHOP