As the world’s population grows and urbanization is on the rise, we continue to build and generate massive amounts of waste. Globally, more than 2 billion tons of solid waste is generated every year. And don’t fall off your chair now. About half of this comes from building materials. Steel, concrete, wood, you name it. Is zero waste in the building and construction industry even possible!? Now - or in the future!?

In 2018, the Danish philanthropic association Realdania launched the “Circular Construction Challenge” to kickstart the circular transition in the building industry.

In this episode, Malin meets up with the three winning teams of the challenge in Copenhagen to hear more about their work and how they will create change. The winning teams are represented by experts Niels Jakubiak Andersen from ReSkur, Maria Ekblad from Gentrae, Hanne Tine Ring Hansen and Jon Wedersøe Strunge of From waste to biomaterial. 

Moreover, Evelina admits she’s a StarTrek fan and sees the connection with their use of the mycelial network. This is not the same thing that’s used to build houses with… right? Also, the concept of regenerative buildings, 3D printing and our cultural connection to buildings capture our imagination.

Listen to “Building zero waste” (S2, E9) on Soundcloud, Apple Podcast, Spotify, or wherever else you listen to podcasts.

Sources

Circular Construction Challenge
From waste to biomaterial (Circular Construction Challenge)
Gentrae (Circular Construction Challenge)
ReSkur (Circular Construction Challenge)
Realdania
“3D-printed Gaia house is made from biodegradable materials” (DEZEEN)
“3D-printing in construction” (Designing buildings)
Capital institute (more on regenerative economy!)
“What a Waste 2.0” (Report by World Bank)
“Snapshot of solid waste management” (a poster summary of the report “What a Waste 2.0” by World Bank)
“3 Real-Life Inspirations For The 'Star Trek: Discovery' Spore Drive” (FORBES)

Support our work through Patreon!

Make a one-time or even monthly donation to Love Zero Waste on our Patreon page. Donations will allow us to make more, more frequents and even richer content for the podcast. Your support means the world to us!

Let us know what you think! 

We’d love to get your feedback on the podcast. Did you learn something new in this episode? Would you recommend others to listen to Love Zero Waste? What topics do you want us to tackle in the podcast? We’re all ears!

Let’s co-create!

Love Zero Waste is a collaboration between Circulous and The Good Tribe. We’re always open to ideas and collaborations.

Credits 

Idea, production and editing: The Good Tribe and Circulous 
Hosts: Evelina Lundqvist and Malin Leth
Mixing: Umami produktion
Jingle: Merlinn Sound 
Initiators the Love Zero Waste community: Evelina Lundqvist and Alexandra Poetz 

Wishing you inspiring listening!

Evelina & Malin