Eco-designed Architecture: Perspectives for Circular Supply Chains of Stone Industry
摘要
Current research lines are directed towards evolving design, production, and consumption models, alongside considerations for end-of-life scenarios, in a shift towards greener and circular practices. These endeavours are anticipated to significantly influence architectural design of materials, products and systems for indoor and outdoor spaces. Technical and academic committees are carrying out multi-disciplinary investigations to structure a framework for specification development of Eco-design strategies and circular business models. Eco-design promotes a preventive approach to product design to optimise environmental performance while preserving functional properties. In this regard, Product/Service-Systems (PSS) are considered strategic models in the development of sustainable societies through the provision of technological and systemic solutions. Product-Service Systems (PSS) offers a comprehensive approach by providing products and services to enhance usage and maintenance practices, leading to environmental advantages. This includes minimizing material and energy consumption in production and use, promoting extended producer responsibility throughout the product life cycle, fostering the creation of more durable products, ensuring high-quality end-of-life storage, mitigating down-cycling, and optimising products based on their primary functions. Within this context, the STONE project (funded in the framework of Next Generation EU Program) strives to introduce cutting-edge and environmentally conscious materials and components from stone waste. The proper disposal of stone waste is a critical concern in various regions dominated by the ornamental stone industry, including Italy and Brazil, where waste is primarily relegated to landfills that are reaching full capacity. The innovative architectural products are crafted to meet the performance standards essential for designing indoor and outdoor living spaces, as well as temporary housing solutions. Additionally, the project is committed to developing a streamlined process for repurposing waste generated from stone processing. This structured approach aims to produce eco-design products that undergo validation within a reference geocluster.