The Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya · BarcelonaTech (UPC) is a public institution of research and higher education in the fields of engineering, architecture, sciences and technology, and one of the leading technical universities in Europe. The UPC currently has more than 150 research groups, 5 own research institutes, 5 affiliated or linked research institutes, 23 research centres, and 12 affiliated research entities. Its researchers carry out intensive activity in areas of research with high social impact, complying with the highest standards of integrity, ethics, and excellence in research, and actively participating in a large number of international research networks.

Role: Recycled aggregate concrete, low-carbon insulation, circular and bio-based façade elements.

UPC leads Work Package 3 (WP3) in the SIRCULAR project, focusing on “SIRCULAR technologies development for sustainable construction and renovation.” Their primary objective is to develop a low-carbon precast concrete façade element that incorporates recycled construction and demolition waste and bio-based materials, aiming for efficient building renovation. This innovative approach will be demonstrated in a Spanish social housing context, showcasing the successful creation and testing of new renovation solutions. The goal is to achieve reduced energy consumption, improved insulation, and efficient resource utilization, all contributing to decarbonization efforts and circularity raise. By integrating these advanced materials and technologies, UPC aims to set a benchmark for sustainable building practices, ensuring that the developed solutions are ecoefficient, both practical and environmentally friendly. This project will provide valuable insights into real-world building construction applications, emphasizing the feasibility and benefits of sustainable construction in urban renovation projects.