RETAKE makes circular economy profitable –more revenue, less energy
Background
The Climate and Energy Strategy notes that under the EU’s Fit for 55 package, Finland’s target for final energy consumption has been set at a maximum of 250 TWh. However, with the measures decided so far, the level is estimated to reach around 275 TWh. Developing business models can significantly impact the energy consumption of construction. This is essential for achieving the energy-saving targets set for Finland.
Buildings account for around 55 % of the EU’s total energy use, and the production of construction components requires a huge amount of energy. Sustainable use of natural resources cannot be achieved without a transformation in the construction sector. The construction sector currently consumes more than 50 % of the world’s virgin raw materials.
By developing a new business model, it is possible to significantly reduce the energy consumption of construction. This is essential for achieving Finland’s national energy saving targets.
Goal
- Create a take-back model for the construction sector that reduces energy consumption in both the construction phase and the manufacturing of building products.
- Involve at least 30 companies in the projects co-development activities.
- Engage three companies to pilot the take-back model
Together, these objectives help to form an understanding of the role that take-back models could play in reducing energy consumption, and how they can contribute to achieving Finland’s final energy consumption target. The project will produce guidelines for preparing a business plan based on product take-back.
Impact
The take-back model makes products and customer relationships long-lasting
Take-back models promote the interchangeability of components, since making it easier to detach and reattach building parts reduces replacement costs and improves business profitability. This also enhances the repairability and adaptability of buildings, and facilitates the reuse of demolition materials. In addition, it decreases the need for producing new products, thereby lowering the energy consumption of production.
Buildings are increasingly being viewed as optimizable subsystems, where the need to renew one system does not automatically lead to a comprehensive renovation of the entire building. Instead, each system can be replaced with a new one as needed, which extends the service life of most components.
A key outcome of the project will be the guidelines for preparing a business plan based on the take-back model- These guidelines will help construction companies develop their business in ways that simultaneously improve environmental sustainability and profitability.
Funding
The project is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), and will be implemented from 1 August 2025 to 31 December 2027.
Partners and co-operators
The project is a joint initiative of Tampere University of Applied Sciences, Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences, Satakunta University of Applied Sciences and Metropolia University of Applied Sciences.