Re-NetTA. Re-Manufacturing Networks
for Tertiary Architectures
Cinzia Talamo, Monica Lavagna, Carol Monticelli, Nazly Atta,
Serena Giorgi and Salvatore Viscuso
Abstract The paper introduces the on-going project Re-NetTA, which contributes
to apply circular economy in the building sector, focusing on tertiary sector building components, characterized by rapid obsolescence and temporary uses. The ReNetTA project identifies re-manufacturing and reuse networks and processes as tools
to reduce the generation of waste deriving from renewals/transformations carried
out on short-term cycles, applying Life Cycle Management and sustainable business models. The goal is to maintain over time the value of the environmental and
economic resources, integrated into manufactured products, once they have been
removed from buildings, extending their useful life and their usability with the least
possible consumption of other materials and energy and with the maximum containment of emissions into the environment. At first, the paper shows how circular
economy can be applied to the built environment, according to literature. Secondly,
the problem of waste coming from renewal interventions, carried out on short-term
cycles of the tertiary sector, is discussed on quantitative data. Consequently, the
aims of the research and the methodology, based on an interdisciplinary approach,
are introduced. Finally, the research output is pointed out, highlighting the related
economic, environmental, and social impacts.
Keywords Circular economy · Re-manufacturing · Built environment ·
Stakeholder networking · Circular business models · Life cycle approach
1 Introduction
European Commission (2015) identifies the construction sector as a fundamental
driver-sector for the activation of circular economy. According to the statistical data
in EU-28, the main field that produces waste is construction sector, contributing
to 33.5% of the total waste generated by all economic activities and households
C. Talamo (B) · M. Lavagna · C. Monticelli · N. Atta · S. Giorgi · S. Viscuso
Architecture, Built Environment and Construction Engineering—ABC Department, Politecnico di
Milano, Milan, Italy
e-mail: cinzia.talamo@polimi.it
© The Author(s) 2020
S. Della Torre et al. (eds.), Regeneration of the Built Environment
from a Circular Economy Perspective, Research for Development,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-33256-3_28
303
for Tertiary Architectures
Cinzia Talamo, Monica Lavagna, Carol Monticelli, Nazly Atta,
Serena Giorgi and Salvatore Viscuso
Abstract The paper introduces the on-going project Re-NetTA, which contributes
to apply circular economy in the building sector, focusing on tertiary sector building components, characterized by rapid obsolescence and temporary uses. The ReNetTA project identifies re-manufacturing and reuse networks and processes as tools
to reduce the generation of waste deriving from renewals/transformations carried
out on short-term cycles, applying Life Cycle Management and sustainable business models. The goal is to maintain over time the value of the environmental and
economic resources, integrated into manufactured products, once they have been
removed from buildings, extending their useful life and their usability with the least
possible consumption of other materials and energy and with the maximum containment of emissions into the environment. At first, the paper shows how circular
economy can be applied to the built environment, according to literature. Secondly,
the problem of waste coming from renewal interventions, carried out on short-term
cycles of the tertiary sector, is discussed on quantitative data. Consequently, the
aims of the research and the methodology, based on an interdisciplinary approach,
are introduced. Finally, the research output is pointed out, highlighting the related
economic, environmental, and social impacts.
Keywords Circular economy · Re-manufacturing · Built environment ·
Stakeholder networking · Circular business models · Life cycle approach
1 Introduction
European Commission (2015) identifies the construction sector as a fundamental
driver-sector for the activation of circular economy. According to the statistical data
in EU-28, the main field that produces waste is construction sector, contributing
to 33.5% of the total waste generated by all economic activities and households
C. Talamo (B) · M. Lavagna · C. Monticelli · N. Atta · S. Giorgi · S. Viscuso
Architecture, Built Environment and Construction Engineering—ABC Department, Politecnico di
Milano, Milan, Italy
e-mail: cinzia.talamo@polimi.it
© The Author(s) 2020
S. Della Torre et al. (eds.), Regeneration of the Built Environment
from a Circular Economy Perspective, Research for Development,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-33256-3_28
303