Now that’s sustainable.
It was recently reported in the news that doctors in America had transplanted a pig’s heart into a 57-year-old man. ‘That’s a cycle,’ I thought to myself and laughed a little. So the pig’s heart had been reused, so to speak. In this case, of course, it wasn’t so much about the cycle, but about the idea that technology goes a long way these days.
Technology stands for nothing
This phrase is often used by critics to point out that ‘technology’ is neutral, especially when it comes to morality. In other words: Just because humans are technically capable of doing something doesn’t mean we want it, let alone that we should actually use it. Just think of the pig heart transplant, which also triggered a certain amount of discussion about the ethical aspect of these technical possibilities. Of course, I don’t want to get involved in this discussion. What is clear, however, is that technology – whatever it is – is constantly advancing. And that certainly doesn’t just apply to the medical world.
Positive transplants
Here too, in the construction industry, we are going further and further and can do more and more. My cynical comment that a pig’s heart is only really circular for a human being makes me believe that advancing possibilities also bring something good. Especially when it comes to the environment, reducing CO2 emissions and the circular economy. Because it’s clear that we need to keep an eye and an eye on this in the construction sector. Still 35% of all
Recycle or reuse
Studies show that we in the construction industry already recycle 93% of our waste. That is of course a high percentage, and you would think that we are all doing a good job together.Well, I am not saying the opposite, but I am saying that the whole thing needs to become smarter and of higher quality.And that is possible.For example, when concrete is recycled.
Then it is crushed into gravel granulate. This process requires an enormous amount of energy while only producing an inferior product. This is because this granulate is used as a filling material or gravel substitute.
The reuse of products, even if only in parts, is of course much better. This is circular construction. And that is exactly what we stand for.
Concrete transplantation
When you think of the word transplant, you probably think primarily of the medical meaning. A doctor replaces a poorly functioning organ from one person with a well-functioning organ from another person.
We have now transferred this idea of transplanting something that is good and reusable to another location to the construction industry.This mainly involves concrete parts or elements.We call this concrete transplantation [link].Think of façades that become new façades again, or (part of) an interior wall that is used as a balcony partition. This is sustainable and circular construction. It’s an advanced technique that doesn’t need to be discussed ethically, it seems to me.
Would you like to find out more about concrete transplantation? Take a look at our website or simply call +31 (0) 174 – 285 170 for an appointment.
Meijs engineers & realisation
Dick van Veelen, Director
