The Hague hosts SUM4Re Event

The Hague University of Applied Sciences (THUAS) recently hosted an exciting event for the SUM4Re Project—a cutting-edge initiative funded by Horizon Europe to transform how we manage urban resources. This project, coordinated by the Future Urban Systems Research Group at THUAS, brings together 17 partners from nine countries, each contributing their unique expertise, to make construction smarter, greener, and more circular.

What Is SUM4Re?

At its core, the SUM4Re Project, which runs from June 1, 2024, to November 30, 2027, is about tackling one of the biggest challenges cities face: waste. Construction alone accounts for nearly 40% of emissions and a third of all waste in the EU. SUM4Re's solution? Digital material banks that map, track, and reuse building components using advanced technologies like AI, blockchain, and photonics.

By adopting circular economy principles—Reduce, Reuse, Repair, Recycle, and Renovate—the project aims to turn demolition sites into treasure troves of reusable materials, cutting down on waste and reducing the environmental footprint of the construction industry.

Who’s Involved?

One of the unique strengths of SUM4Re is the diversity of its consortium, which unites 17 partners from nine countries, including:

• Seven SMEs: Estudios Rafer, Concular, Olar Solutions, R2M Solution, Blockmaterials, Screening Eagle, and Gscan.
• Two large construction and dismantling companies: Moyua and AF Gruppen Norge.
• Three research institutes: Tecnalia, SINTEF, and VTT.
• Two academic institutions: Universidad de Vigo and The Hague University of Applied Sciences.
• Two public institutions: The Municipality of The Hague and Store Norske Boliger.
• One non-profit organization: European Builders Confederation.

This multidisciplinary team ensures that every angle of circular construction is explored, from research and innovation to real-world application.

Leading the Way at THUAS

The Future Urban Systems Research Group at THUAS coordinates the university's involvement in SUM4Re. The team includes:

• Professor dr. Rizal Sebastian
• Helen van Broekhuijsen, MSc
• Danielle Strydom, MSc
• Melanie Kwaks, MSc
• Mario Villalba Ferreira, MSc

Their work is supported by the Centre of Expertise Mission Zero, the Faculty of Technology, Innovation and Society, and the Built Environment Cluster, which includes courses in Architecture, Civil Engineering, and Spatial Development.

Highlights from the Event

From December 4–6, The Hague became a hub for innovation as experts, researchers, and innovators gathered for SUM4Re’s second General Assembly and Consortium Meeting.

Day 1: Tech in Action

Participants toured the BINCKHORST area, one of SUM4Re’s pilot sites, and saw advanced augmented reality tools in action. These tools identify and label building materials in real time, creating detailed 3D models for reuse planning.

Day 2: Groundbreaking Conversations

Workshops on data collection and Circular Building Information Modelling (C-BIM) sparked lively debates. Participants also witnessed the capabilities of a revolutionary tool that detects materials through walls, demonstrating the transformative potential of photonics in construction.

Day 3: Bridging Needs and Solutions

The event concluded with a public seminar, “Circular Construction Enabled by Photonics Technologies,” on December 5th at THUAS. The seminar brought together industry professionals, students, and researchers to explore how photonics technologies can make material reuse safer, more accurate, and cost-effective. Training sessions and interactive discussions fostered connections between construction needs and innovative solutions, paving the way for future collaboration and follow-up research.

Why It Matters

The construction industry’s environmental impact is enormous, but SUM4Re’s work demonstrates how circular practices and advanced technologies can help turn this around. With pilot projects in Norway, Spain, and the Netherlands, the initiative is poised to set new standards for sustainable construction across Europe.

What’s Next?

THUAS and the Future Urban Systems Research Group are proud to play a pivotal role in SUM4Re’s journey. Together with their international partners, they are driving the transformation of urban systems to build a greener, smarter future for everyone.

Want to learn more?

Horizon Europe project SUM4Re | The Hague University of Applied Sciences

Visit https://sum4re.eu/ and join us in building a sustainable tomorrow, one material at a time.