Imagine a space where construction sector can experiment with new ideas, materials, and technologies without the usual regulatory hurdles. That’s the idea behind regulatory sandboxes! They’re like a “safe space” for innovation, allowing companies to test out new approaches and work with regulators to ensure they meet safety, structural, technical, and more important, environmental standards.
Why are they important? The construction industry is facing increasing pressure to become more sustainable and reduce its environmental impact. Regulatory sandboxes can help accelerate the development and adoption of circular economy solutions, such as using recycled materials or designing buildings for adaptability or disassembly, deconstruction, and reuse.
How do they work? Companies can apply to participate in a sandbox with a specific project or idea. If accepted, they can test their innovation in a real-world setting while receiving guidance and feedback from regulators. This collaborative approach helps ensure that new solutions are both innovative and compliant with regulations.
What are the benefits? Sandboxes can help reduce the time and cost of bringing new solutions to market, while also fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing between companies and regulators.
In the SIRCULAR project, we’re exploring the potential of regulatory sandboxes to drive innovation in the construction sector. We believe they can be a powerful tool for accelerating the transition to a circular economy and achieving our decarbonisation goals.
This article was written by Laura Silva, ITeC – The Catalonia Institute of Construction Technology.
The Catalonia Institute of Construction Technology Foundation (ITeC) is a private non-profit organisation and partner in the SIRCULAR project. Established in 1978, ITeC has since carried out research, design and development of technology-based products and services for the construction sector in terms of sustainability, market, product quality, data bases, certifications and many more fields.
In the SIRCULAR project, ITeC is responsible for validating the technical and technological assessment plan and contributes to the development and implementation of regulatory sandboxes. This involves ensuring that the methodologies and technologies proposed are feasible and effective for industry application.