The research team Circular Building Environment from CTU UCEEB has long focused on strategies to reduce the environmental
impact of concrete and other construction materials through circular economy principles and modern technologies. Recently,
the team published two studies presented at the 27th annual Recycling 2025 conference. These studies demonstrate that effective
material recycling and the use of secondary raw materials are key tools for more sustainable construction practices.
The first study focused on pre-demolition audits and the reuse of construction products from demolished buildings. The analysis
showed that a systematic approach to material assessment before demolition—including technical surveys and digital modeling—enables
maximum reuse of materials. This approach aligns with the European Union's goals to recycle up to 90% of mineral construction
waste by 2030.
The second study analyzed over 100 concrete mixes, comparing various types of additives (fly ash, slags, fillers, and Cyment)
and aggregates (natural vs. recycled brick aggregates). The results show that well-designed mixes using recycled aggregates,
blended cements, and low-emission additives (e.g., Cyment L100) not only achieve a lower carbon footprint but often also better
economic performance.
“It’s becoming clear that changing materials alone is not enough—what’s essential is a holistic approach to buildings
and optimizing their entire life cycle,” says Assoc. Prof. Tereza Pavlů from CTU UCEEB. “Our research shows that combining
low-emission concretes with smart recycling is the way forward for more sustainable construction.”