Buildings of the future rely on transparency: every element used, from the nail to the roof tile, is recorded and documented in detail. This enables the targeted reuse of building materials and circular business models. Material passports are at the centre of this approach. They provide a clear overview of the resources used and thus facilitate decisions for sustainable construction.
A building is more than just a structure - it is an interplay of numerous materials and resources. This is exactly where material passports come in. They serve as a key to the reuse of components and go beyond the mere documentation of individual building elements. Think of the material passport as a digital cadastre of a building. A material passport contains detailed information about building materials, their origin, composition, environmental impact, recyclability and other relevant details. "A material passport gives the building materials and products used a value that goes beyond the financial aspect," says Dr Ronny Meglin, Senior Consultant Circularity at pom+Consulting. So when combined with Building Information Modelling (BIM), they provide architects and builders with a comprehensive view of all materials in a building. This integration enables optimal planning and management of the building life cycle from conception to demolition. It also makes it easier to objectively assess the sustainability of the building. The joint use of material passports and BIM promotes a transparent, efficient and sustainable building culture. This material database is therefore the basis for processing ecological data and using it in the context of the circular economy.
Sustainability meets precise data analysis
The integration of material passports in building planning goes hand in hand with the increase in sustainable certifications in the construction industry. For developers and property owners, sustainable building certifications are no longer just optional, but increasingly a question of (potential) return on investment and value retention. "Many companies only rent properties or office space if they have certification," says Dr Ronny Meglin. "As the current certifications, such as the new SNBS Building Construction 2023, recognise the circular economy as a transversal topic, owners need to think about circular construction and provide any necessary evidence," adds Dr Meglin.
As material passports make buildings more transparent and important data can be processed, this simplifies the certification process enormously. This means that data can be used to prove how sustainable and recyclable a building and its materials are. Material passports will therefore be essential for owners in the near future in order to fulfil the most important regulations and requirements and remain attractive on the market. The precise documentation and data analysis made possible by the material passport can also be used to identify and implement optimisations in project planning. For example, a material passport can be used to compare several construction variants during the planning stage and the most efficient, sustainable solution can be implemented. The circular economy, in which materials are reused as efficiently as possible and resources are thus conserved, is thus becoming more of a focus.
Ultimately, it is the combination of sustainability endeavours and precise data analysis that makes the material passport an important tool in modern construction. It is not just a document, but a pragmatic strategy for sustainable and resource-efficient construction.
Change in awareness: The green revolution in construction
The construction industry is on the threshold of a new era. At a time when topics such as sustainability and environmental awareness are at the centre of attention and are accompanied by regulations, the industry is facing the challenge of producing less construction waste and adapting its practices in line with climate policy. Material passports are a central component of this change; they are an expression of a profound understanding of future-orientated construction.
There is a gap in the database, particularly for older existing buildings. As these buildings were often constructed before the introduction of systematic material documentation, their data can only be recorded by physically inspecting the property and the expertise of specialists. This is time-consuming and cost-intensive.
Provider market for material passports with strong momentum
In Switzerland, Madaster has established itself as a leading provider of material passports thanks to its innovative solutions and commitment. Its foray into this area has not only created transparency in the construction industry, but has also raised general awareness of the importance of material passports.
The topic of material passports has gained international significance, thanks in part to Madaster's contributions. A variety of alternative solutions and platforms are emerging and enriching the market. A broader offering can lead to further innovations without neglecting the quality standards that companies like Madaster have set.
A diverse ecosystem of digital material cadastre providers contributes to the quality and accuracy of data collection. It enables different perspectives and approaches that all pursue the same goal: To drive sustainability and circular economy in construction.
The material passport as the basis for circularity
Integrating the material passport into the early stages of the planning process is essential to find the most efficient construction options. Thanks to access to comprehensive material data, architects, builders and investors can make well-founded and sustainable decisions right from the start. This data not only provides valuable information regarding costs and quality, but also the opportunity to precisely evaluate and optimise the ecological footprint of a construction project.
"The circularity index is proving to be an indispensable tool. It can be used to specifically measure the extent to which materials can be reused in a building," explains Ronny Meglin and continues: "A high value in the circularity index not only signals an environmentally friendly construction method, but also indicates that the building is well equipped for the future - both in ecological and economic terms. "
Another advantage of this early integration of a material passport into building planning is the ability to plan and directly compare different construction variants. The circularity index can be used to analyse and evaluate different designs and material combinations. This enables those involved to identify and implement the most sustainable and economical solution for their project. This results in a win-win situation for the environment and the wallet.
Material passports provide a comprehensive overview of building materials and their specific characteristics. This precise data can be used as a basis for environmentally conscious and resource-saving construction. Achieving this goal requires continuous efforts, innovative approaches and a deep understanding of environmental protection. The result? Buildings that fulfil both current and future ecological requirements.
This is how pom+ supports you in this area:
We document the materials, components and products you use and record the necessary data records in the material register of the Madaster digital platform.
- Definition of the (BIM) requirements
- Defining the necessary data (quality) in the BIM model
- Linking the BIM model in Madaster (or similar)
- Creating and verifying a material passport
- Specialist advice on circular economy and sustainability in planning and construction projects