Imperfect Circular Platform
Basic information
Project Title
Imperfect Circular Platform
Full project title
Imperfect Circular Platform : Enabling Circular Construction
Category
Shaping a circular industrial ecosystem and supporting life-cycle thinking
Project Description
"The Sustainable Future is Imperfect!
At Imperfect, we transform construction waste into wonders. We've crafted a solution for your construction waste and, with your help, can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of one of the most polluting sectors. Get hands-on with your smartphones or tablets to visualise your reusable materials, or browse our integrated marketplace for the most sustainable and cost-effective options for your future makeover projects."
At Imperfect, we transform construction waste into wonders. We've crafted a solution for your construction waste and, with your help, can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of one of the most polluting sectors. Get hands-on with your smartphones or tablets to visualise your reusable materials, or browse our integrated marketplace for the most sustainable and cost-effective options for your future makeover projects."
Geographical Scope
Regional
Project Region
Brussels Capital Region, Belgium
Urban or rural issues
Mainly urban
Physical or other transformations
It refers to other types of transformations (soft investment)
EU Programme or fund
Yes
Which funds
Other
Other Funds
1. Urban Doers Grant by the DUT Partnership 2023<br />
2. EIT New European Bauhaus Booster program 2.0 (2023)
Description of the project
Summary
Imperfect, a Brussels-based startup and social innovation initiative, is the enabler of the circular economy in construction and renovation projects across the EU. We are dedicated to bringing sustainability to one of the most polluting sectors in terms of waste and C02eq footprint. Imperfect has already marked significant milestones in its journey:
1. Winner of the Urban Doers Grant by the DUT Partnership 2023
2. Cohort of the EIT New European Bauhaus Booster 2.0 program
4. Finalist in the European Social Innovation Challenge 2022 by the EIC & EISMEA
Imperfect’s vision is to establish an innovative, accessible and online solution for the assessment and sharing of reclaimed materials, components and assets.
The Imperfect Circular platform provides users with a self-inventory tool, integral for identifying and cataloging reusable assets and reclaimed materials at each stage of the renovation process. This tool is seamlessly linked to a marketplace designed to facilitate the exchange of these materials among various users.
Our approach emphasizes bottom-up urban mining, empowering both individuals and businesses to actively engage in sustainable practices. Following the Renovation Wave, we particularly target citizens that are active in renovation projects, enabling them to reduce their waste production, manage and share their reusable assets, therefore reducing their carbon footprint.
The self-inventory tool, in the form of a web-based platform and mobile application, enables users to take pictures of their reusable materials and add details about them with the help of our built-in databases. This process helps them efficiently identify and organize reusable materials online. Once everything is cataloged, these resources can be shared on a marketplace with others. The platform allows users to track their impact in terms of CO2eq savings and waste reduction and provide them with a circularity report.
1. Winner of the Urban Doers Grant by the DUT Partnership 2023
2. Cohort of the EIT New European Bauhaus Booster 2.0 program
4. Finalist in the European Social Innovation Challenge 2022 by the EIC & EISMEA
Imperfect’s vision is to establish an innovative, accessible and online solution for the assessment and sharing of reclaimed materials, components and assets.
The Imperfect Circular platform provides users with a self-inventory tool, integral for identifying and cataloging reusable assets and reclaimed materials at each stage of the renovation process. This tool is seamlessly linked to a marketplace designed to facilitate the exchange of these materials among various users.
Our approach emphasizes bottom-up urban mining, empowering both individuals and businesses to actively engage in sustainable practices. Following the Renovation Wave, we particularly target citizens that are active in renovation projects, enabling them to reduce their waste production, manage and share their reusable assets, therefore reducing their carbon footprint.
The self-inventory tool, in the form of a web-based platform and mobile application, enables users to take pictures of their reusable materials and add details about them with the help of our built-in databases. This process helps them efficiently identify and organize reusable materials online. Once everything is cataloged, these resources can be shared on a marketplace with others. The platform allows users to track their impact in terms of CO2eq savings and waste reduction and provide them with a circularity report.
Key objectives for sustainability
Sustainability lies at the core of Imperfect's vision, driving every facet of our project. Following the Renovation Wave, we believe the amount of waste produced by the construction and renovation sector is becoming problematic.
Our primary objective is to maximize the use of reclaimed materials in construction and renovation, thereby drastically reducing waste and promoting resource efficiency. This goal is achieved through our comprehensive online platform featuring a self-inventory tool and linked marketplace, which facilitates the identification, sharing, and reuse of reclaimed materials. Our goal is to integrate circular practices in one of the most resource-intensive sectors by informing and empowering citizens to contribute in a bottom-up approach.
Through the reuse of reclaimed materials, our project significantly lowers the carbon footprint associated with the production of new building materials.Our impact is quantifiable and significant – we have estimated a certified reduction of 320 tons of CO2eq annually.
Imperfect Circular Platform serves as a model for how technology and community involvement can be leveraged to achieve sustainability. Our unique approach toward the bottom-up identification of reusable resources and sharing facilitation, together with impact assessment and circularity tracking, can pave the way for the integration of the circular economy in urban transition.
Our primary objective is to maximize the use of reclaimed materials in construction and renovation, thereby drastically reducing waste and promoting resource efficiency. This goal is achieved through our comprehensive online platform featuring a self-inventory tool and linked marketplace, which facilitates the identification, sharing, and reuse of reclaimed materials. Our goal is to integrate circular practices in one of the most resource-intensive sectors by informing and empowering citizens to contribute in a bottom-up approach.
Through the reuse of reclaimed materials, our project significantly lowers the carbon footprint associated with the production of new building materials.Our impact is quantifiable and significant – we have estimated a certified reduction of 320 tons of CO2eq annually.
Imperfect Circular Platform serves as a model for how technology and community involvement can be leveraged to achieve sustainability. Our unique approach toward the bottom-up identification of reusable resources and sharing facilitation, together with impact assessment and circularity tracking, can pave the way for the integration of the circular economy in urban transition.
Key objectives for aesthetics and quality
Imperfect is redefining the aesthetic norms of the construction industry by making reclaimed materials a centerpiece of the new design projects. Our project aims to shift the perception of these materials, turning what was once considered waste into sought-after elements of sustainable architecture.
Our focus is on blending functionality with aesthetic appeal. By showcasing the beauty and uniqueness of reclaimed materials, we're setting a new standard for what it means to be beautifully sustainable. This 'imperfect' aesthetic is not just about embracing the stories and history embedded in each reused component but contributing to a sustainable future. This approach is gradually changing how people view construction and renovation, making sustainability an integral and desirable aspect of design.
Moreover, Imperfect is committed to transforming the user experience in the construction industry. We want to change the narrative from one of excessive waste production to one where every individual and business becomes a proactive participant in sustainable practices. Our online platform enables users to independently source and apply reclaimed materials, giving them the tools and knowledge to make sustainable choices. This empowerment fosters a sense of positive impact on the future of our living environment.
By leading this shift in aesthetics and user experience, Imperfect stands as an exemplary project. We are not only providing sustainable solutions but also cultivating an appreciation for “sustainable aesthetics”, thereby influencing cultural norms and practices in the construction industry. Through our efforts, we are paving the way for a future where beauty is synonymous with sustainability and innovation.
Our focus is on blending functionality with aesthetic appeal. By showcasing the beauty and uniqueness of reclaimed materials, we're setting a new standard for what it means to be beautifully sustainable. This 'imperfect' aesthetic is not just about embracing the stories and history embedded in each reused component but contributing to a sustainable future. This approach is gradually changing how people view construction and renovation, making sustainability an integral and desirable aspect of design.
Moreover, Imperfect is committed to transforming the user experience in the construction industry. We want to change the narrative from one of excessive waste production to one where every individual and business becomes a proactive participant in sustainable practices. Our online platform enables users to independently source and apply reclaimed materials, giving them the tools and knowledge to make sustainable choices. This empowerment fosters a sense of positive impact on the future of our living environment.
By leading this shift in aesthetics and user experience, Imperfect stands as an exemplary project. We are not only providing sustainable solutions but also cultivating an appreciation for “sustainable aesthetics”, thereby influencing cultural norms and practices in the construction industry. Through our efforts, we are paving the way for a future where beauty is synonymous with sustainability and innovation.
Key objectives for inclusion
Imperfect's project prioritizes citizen engagement, ensuring sustainable practices are accessible and empowering for everyone.
Our objectives focus on:
User Empowerment: We transform users from passive observers to active participants in sustainability. Our platform enables them to engage directly in identifying and utilizing reclaimed materials, fostering autonomy in sustainable decision-making.
Accessibility and Ease of Use: Our platform is intuitively designed to cater to a diverse user base. We ensure that sustainable construction methods are approachable and widely adoptable, irrespective of users’ technical expertise.
Free Platform Access for Individuals: Offering free access to individual users, we remove financial barriers, expanding the reach of sustainable options to a more diverse audience
Through VSD principals, Imperfect uses a user-centric approach to technology, standing as an exemplar of how innovation, technology and community engagement can come together to respond locally and in a bottom-up approach to global challenges.
Our objectives focus on:
User Empowerment: We transform users from passive observers to active participants in sustainability. Our platform enables them to engage directly in identifying and utilizing reclaimed materials, fostering autonomy in sustainable decision-making.
Accessibility and Ease of Use: Our platform is intuitively designed to cater to a diverse user base. We ensure that sustainable construction methods are approachable and widely adoptable, irrespective of users’ technical expertise.
Free Platform Access for Individuals: Offering free access to individual users, we remove financial barriers, expanding the reach of sustainable options to a more diverse audience
Through VSD principals, Imperfect uses a user-centric approach to technology, standing as an exemplar of how innovation, technology and community engagement can come together to respond locally and in a bottom-up approach to global challenges.
How Citizens benefit
Imperfect’s project involves citizens and civil society, leveraging the power of bottom-up urban mining to create a sustainable impact. Our platform enables homeowners, DIY enthusiasts, and local businesses to actively participate in identifying and reusing materials, fundamentally transforming their role in the construction and renovation projects.
This involvement empowers community members to directly contribute to sustainability. They become key players in resource efficiency, making decisions that reduce waste and environmental impact. Their feedback and experiences are vital, informing the continuous improvement of our platform, making it more user-friendly and effective.
Civil society organizations play a crucial role in this ecosystem. They bridge the gap between Imperfect and wider community segments, enhancing awareness and participation in sustainable practices. Their educational efforts help spread the concept of urban mining, encouraging more people to engage in this sustainable practice.
Through active participation, community members and organizations help propel Imperfect’s mission of sustainable urban development, demonstrating the power of collaborative efforts in achieving significant change.
Positioning ourselves on the Arnstein's ladder of citizen participation at the citizen control level, Imperfect empowers individuals to make sustainable, cost-effective, and local decisions. Through our platform, we provide the tools and resources necessary for citizens to take control of their environmental impact.
This involvement empowers community members to directly contribute to sustainability. They become key players in resource efficiency, making decisions that reduce waste and environmental impact. Their feedback and experiences are vital, informing the continuous improvement of our platform, making it more user-friendly and effective.
Civil society organizations play a crucial role in this ecosystem. They bridge the gap between Imperfect and wider community segments, enhancing awareness and participation in sustainable practices. Their educational efforts help spread the concept of urban mining, encouraging more people to engage in this sustainable practice.
Through active participation, community members and organizations help propel Imperfect’s mission of sustainable urban development, demonstrating the power of collaborative efforts in achieving significant change.
Positioning ourselves on the Arnstein's ladder of citizen participation at the citizen control level, Imperfect empowers individuals to make sustainable, cost-effective, and local decisions. Through our platform, we provide the tools and resources necessary for citizens to take control of their environmental impact.
Physical or other transformations
It refers to other types of transformations (soft investment)
Innovative character
In contrast to conventional consultancy approaches in the field, Imperfect's project elevates itself by integrating a comprehensive, user-centric model with the principles of the circular economy and sustainability:
Creating a New Ecosystem: Unlike fragmented solutions that address specific aspects of construction, our project introduces an integrated ecosystem. This ecosystem encompasses the entire circular procurement process, enabling a seamless flow from reclaimed material sourcing to reuse.
Empowering the User: Users are given the tools and knowledge to make informed decisions about using reclaimed materials. This empowerment is a shift from the traditional top-down approach, enabling users to be part of the circular economy.
Bottom-Up Urban Mining: The bottom-up approach adopted in our project is inherently more scalable for broader impact, primarily because it is rooted in community engagement. This method, considered a "soft investment," leverages the collective power and resources of the community, enabling a widespread and more sustainable implementation of our initiatives.
Raising the Supply of Reclaimed Material: Through effective identification and categorization, our platform increases the supply of reclaimed materials. This is achieved by making it easier to identify, list, and access these materials, thus overcoming one of the major hurdles in the reuse of construction materials.
Direct Link to a Sharing Platform: Our platform acts as a direct link for communication between users, facilitating the sharing of materials and knowledge. This feature is particularly innovative as it creates a community around sustainable practices, encouraging collaboration and exchange among users.
Creating a New Ecosystem: Unlike fragmented solutions that address specific aspects of construction, our project introduces an integrated ecosystem. This ecosystem encompasses the entire circular procurement process, enabling a seamless flow from reclaimed material sourcing to reuse.
Empowering the User: Users are given the tools and knowledge to make informed decisions about using reclaimed materials. This empowerment is a shift from the traditional top-down approach, enabling users to be part of the circular economy.
Bottom-Up Urban Mining: The bottom-up approach adopted in our project is inherently more scalable for broader impact, primarily because it is rooted in community engagement. This method, considered a "soft investment," leverages the collective power and resources of the community, enabling a widespread and more sustainable implementation of our initiatives.
Raising the Supply of Reclaimed Material: Through effective identification and categorization, our platform increases the supply of reclaimed materials. This is achieved by making it easier to identify, list, and access these materials, thus overcoming one of the major hurdles in the reuse of construction materials.
Direct Link to a Sharing Platform: Our platform acts as a direct link for communication between users, facilitating the sharing of materials and knowledge. This feature is particularly innovative as it creates a community around sustainable practices, encouraging collaboration and exchange among users.
Disciplines/knowledge reflected
Having a multidisciplinary approach was essential in creating a platform that is not only innovative but also addresses the multifaceted challenges of sustainable urban development.
The expertise within our main team spanned across several key areas:
Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) Industry: Our team's knowledge in this sector was fundamental in understanding the practical aspects of construction and material usage. This expertise guided the technical development of our platform, ensuring it was relevant and useful for industry professionals.
Sustainable Strategy and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA): These fields helped us in devising strategies that emphasize sustainability throughout the lifecycle of construction materials. The focus on LCA ensured that our approach was comprehensive, considering environmental impacts from production to reuse.
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and Circular Economy: ESG principles along with circular economy concepts were central to our project. They shaped our approach to resource utilization, waste reduction, and social responsibility.
Impact Tech: Leveraging technology for social and environmental impact was a key focus. Our team's expertise in this area ensured that our digital solutions were impactful and scalable.
Social Design, Service Design, and Product Design: These design disciplines were crucial in making our platform user-friendly and socially relevant. They influenced the aesthetics, functionality, and overall user experience of our platform.
The interaction among these diverse fields within our team was highly collaborative. Each discipline brought unique perspectives and expertise, contributing to a holistic approach.
The expertise within our main team spanned across several key areas:
Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) Industry: Our team's knowledge in this sector was fundamental in understanding the practical aspects of construction and material usage. This expertise guided the technical development of our platform, ensuring it was relevant and useful for industry professionals.
Sustainable Strategy and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA): These fields helped us in devising strategies that emphasize sustainability throughout the lifecycle of construction materials. The focus on LCA ensured that our approach was comprehensive, considering environmental impacts from production to reuse.
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and Circular Economy: ESG principles along with circular economy concepts were central to our project. They shaped our approach to resource utilization, waste reduction, and social responsibility.
Impact Tech: Leveraging technology for social and environmental impact was a key focus. Our team's expertise in this area ensured that our digital solutions were impactful and scalable.
Social Design, Service Design, and Product Design: These design disciplines were crucial in making our platform user-friendly and socially relevant. They influenced the aesthetics, functionality, and overall user experience of our platform.
The interaction among these diverse fields within our team was highly collaborative. Each discipline brought unique perspectives and expertise, contributing to a holistic approach.
Methodology used
Value Sensitive Design (VSD): Value Sensitive Design (VSD) is an approach that integrates values of ethical importance, such as user well-being and environmental sustainability, directly into the design and development process of technology.
Social Innovation: We harness the power of social innovation to address environmental challenges while fostering significant societal change. This involves developing innovative solutions that resonate at a community level, leading to a transformation in societal attitudes towards sustainability.
Bottom-Up Approach: This approach empowers individuals and businesses to actively contribute to the circular economy. By enabling local communities to identify and catalog reusable materials, we're not just promoting sustainability; we're creating a self-sustaining ecosystem of resource efficiency.
Data-Driven Decision Making: We utilize data analytics to understand material flows, user behavior, and environmental impact. This approach ensures that our strategies are informed, relevant, and continually optimized for maximum efficacy.
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA): LCA is instrumental in evaluating the environmental impact of materials throughout their lifecycle. By incorporating LCA, we aim to increase the life cycle of what is considered today as waste.
Circular Economy: The core of our project is rooted in circular economy principles. By designing systems and processes that prioritize reuse and minimize waste, we're setting new standards in sustainable construction practices.
Social Innovation: We harness the power of social innovation to address environmental challenges while fostering significant societal change. This involves developing innovative solutions that resonate at a community level, leading to a transformation in societal attitudes towards sustainability.
Bottom-Up Approach: This approach empowers individuals and businesses to actively contribute to the circular economy. By enabling local communities to identify and catalog reusable materials, we're not just promoting sustainability; we're creating a self-sustaining ecosystem of resource efficiency.
Data-Driven Decision Making: We utilize data analytics to understand material flows, user behavior, and environmental impact. This approach ensures that our strategies are informed, relevant, and continually optimized for maximum efficacy.
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA): LCA is instrumental in evaluating the environmental impact of materials throughout their lifecycle. By incorporating LCA, we aim to increase the life cycle of what is considered today as waste.
Circular Economy: The core of our project is rooted in circular economy principles. By designing systems and processes that prioritize reuse and minimize waste, we're setting new standards in sustainable construction practices.
How stakeholders are engaged
At the European level, our involvement with the EIT Community and the New European Bauhaus in the context of the Booster program was instrumental. Their expertise in solution assessment significantly influenced the refinement of our platform. Additionally, this collaboration introduced us to a network of European stakeholders, paving the way for future partnerships.
In local and regional contexts, our partnership with the Urban Doers of the European Driving Urban Transition Partnership was crucial. This network provided access to diverse knowledge and resources, aiding significantly in the practical implementation of our project. Insights from various European urban contexts allowed us to adapt and tailor our approach, enhancing its effectiveness and adaptability.
Our determination to form local, regional, and European partnerships is a cornerstone of our strategy for disseminating our project. These collaborations are essential not only in refining our platform but also in ensuring its widespread adoption and impact. By building these partnerships, we aim to extend the reach and influence of our project, making sustainable urban development a tangible reality across various communities.
In local and regional contexts, our partnership with the Urban Doers of the European Driving Urban Transition Partnership was crucial. This network provided access to diverse knowledge and resources, aiding significantly in the practical implementation of our project. Insights from various European urban contexts allowed us to adapt and tailor our approach, enhancing its effectiveness and adaptability.
Our determination to form local, regional, and European partnerships is a cornerstone of our strategy for disseminating our project. These collaborations are essential not only in refining our platform but also in ensuring its widespread adoption and impact. By building these partnerships, we aim to extend the reach and influence of our project, making sustainable urban development a tangible reality across various communities.
Global challenges
Imperfect’s project, while offering local solutions, directly addresses several global challenges, aligning with key international objectives and frameworks.
Green Deal Goals: Our project contributes significantly to the European Green Deal, particularly in reducing the CO2 footprint. By promoting the reuse of construction materials through our platform, we help decrease the demand for new materials, which in turn reduces the emissions associated with their production. This approach is directly aligned with the Green Deal's objective of making Europe climate-neutral by 2050.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Several SDGs are addressed through our project. Most notably:
SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): Our project enhances sustainable urbanization by promoting resource-efficient construction practices.
SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production): By facilitating the reuse and recycling of construction materials, we contribute to more sustainable consumption patterns.
SDG 13 (Climate Action): Our efforts to reduce the CO2 footprint directly contribute to action against climate change.
Renovation Wave: The European Commission’s Renovation Wave initiative aims to double renovation rates over the next ten years and ensure renovations lead to higher energy and resource efficiency. Imperfect's project supports this by enabling more sustainable renovation practices, where reused and reclaimed materials significantly lower the environmental impact of renovation projects.
Green Deal Goals: Our project contributes significantly to the European Green Deal, particularly in reducing the CO2 footprint. By promoting the reuse of construction materials through our platform, we help decrease the demand for new materials, which in turn reduces the emissions associated with their production. This approach is directly aligned with the Green Deal's objective of making Europe climate-neutral by 2050.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Several SDGs are addressed through our project. Most notably:
SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): Our project enhances sustainable urbanization by promoting resource-efficient construction practices.
SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production): By facilitating the reuse and recycling of construction materials, we contribute to more sustainable consumption patterns.
SDG 13 (Climate Action): Our efforts to reduce the CO2 footprint directly contribute to action against climate change.
Renovation Wave: The European Commission’s Renovation Wave initiative aims to double renovation rates over the next ten years and ensure renovations lead to higher energy and resource efficiency. Imperfect's project supports this by enabling more sustainable renovation practices, where reused and reclaimed materials significantly lower the environmental impact of renovation projects.
Learning transferred to other parties
Imperfect’s project is crafted with an aim for broader impact. Its innovation lies in its simplicity and adaptability, ensuring replicability. Available on Cloud-based web service and accessible via the internet, it does not require complex infrastructure, making it a soft investment that can be easily adopted in diverse settings. The Imperfect methodology and innovative model can easily be transferred to other aspects of the circular economy in the urban context.
Our online platform is a key component, designed to be straightforward and intuitive. This ensures ease of use for a wide spectrum of users, crucial for fitting seamlessly into different regional contexts.Imperfect's project emphasizes user empowerment, enhancing its scalability. The platform's design enables users to operate independently, without needing external assistance. This self-sufficiency makes the project easily adoptable in various settings, significantly aiding its transferability and scalability. This approach to user empowerment ensures our solution is adaptable and expandable across diverse environments.
Our online platform is a key component, designed to be straightforward and intuitive. This ensures ease of use for a wide spectrum of users, crucial for fitting seamlessly into different regional contexts.Imperfect's project emphasizes user empowerment, enhancing its scalability. The platform's design enables users to operate independently, without needing external assistance. This self-sufficiency makes the project easily adoptable in various settings, significantly aiding its transferability and scalability. This approach to user empowerment ensures our solution is adaptable and expandable across diverse environments.
Keywords
Circular Construction and Renovation
Social Innovation
Bottom-Up Urban Mining
Value Sensitive Design
Carbon Footprint Reduction
