The AUTOCON project aims to investigate and develop innovative technologies for 3D printing in concrete. To achieve this, it addresses the development of sustainable functional cement-based materials and the improvement of current systems for additives, mixing, and finishing of the extruded mixture. The growing market demand, particularly from the construction sector, underscores the need for new materials, mortar mixing systems with additives, and tangential control systems in the 3D printing process.

SNUG aims to develop an innovative methodology based on principles of circular economy and artificial intelligence to reshape the construction industry and promote the transition to sustainable, high-energy performance buildings at an optimal cost level. The mission is clear: to enhance the energy efficiency and sustainability of buildings throughout their lifecycle by empowering architects and builders to make more ecological decisions. At the core of SNUG's vision is the development of new innovative solutions for thermal insulation and lightweight prefabricated materials made from local renewable resources and biological components to improve energy efficiency and sustainability at a competitive cost. Additionally, SNUG aims to create a digital tool to assist architects and builders in material selection and layout processes, providing customized solutions that consider technical, environmental, and economic aspects. To complement these efforts, a database of thermal insulation materials will be established and launched as an open data tool, listing existing and new solutions with detailed life cycle assessment information. Furthermore, a digital construction notebook will be created to facilitate decision-making and information exchange within the construction sector, connecting building owners, occupants, financial institutions, and public authorities. Over the next three and a half years, SNUG will implement and validate its innovative approach in three real-life buildings. These use cases will focus on renovations and new constructions, covering residential, office, and commercial spaces in different climates: - Norway - Scandinavian climate: new building owned by the city development company. - Switzerland - Continental climate: privately owned renovation building used for residential purposes. - Spain - Mediterranean climate: renovation building in an industrial area dedicated to office activities. Energy efficiency, carbon footprint, indoor comfort, and structural durability will be quantified through continuous monitoring to assess the success of the proposed methodology in achieving ZEB standards, as well as its replicability potential. The project involves 16 entities from 11 countries. In this project, CTCON leads the work package on the development of new low-impact and circular materials. Additionally, CTCON coordinates the project.

Aerogels are very light, highly porous materials with a much higher thermal resistance than conventional insulating materials. The overall objective of the RESGELECO project is the development of aerogels from affordable and low environmental impact waste, which can be used in the construction sector to improve the energy efficiency of buildings and in rehabilitation actions. RESGELECO's clear motivation is to provide greater knowledge about this product, favor the incorporation of this technology and the emergence of new lines of research and related business initiatives in the construction sector.     Image: Bloque de aerogel (Patricia Alejandra De León Hernández, 2022)