In honour of Plastic Free July, we’re highlighting an innovative and environmentally groundbreaking approach to sustainability in the design and construction industries. One such example is the Excess Materials Exchange, a pioneering technology company that has created a digital platform to help reduce and reuse waste products. Their concept, called “The Dating Site Approach for Secondary Materials,” uses a unique matching system to connect suppliers with excess materials—such as those from building demolitions—with buyers who can repurpose them for new designs.

The platform’s mission is to encourage a circular economy by reusing waste materials and reducing the environmental impact of construction and design. By quantifying the supply of materials and matching them with demand, they create valuable secondary materials that can be used again, avoiding unnecessary waste and contributing to a healthier planet.

Key benefits of the platform include:

  • Environmental Impact Reduction: The system helps reduce energy usage, water consumption, and CO2 emissions. For example, in their pilot study, the materials exchanged saved energy equal to 5 years of public lighting in Paris, and reduced water usage equivalent to 860 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
  • Economic Benefits: The average monetary value of material flows increased by 110%, and the platform saved 54 million EUR in environmental costs.

This platform is a great example of how digital technology can accelerate the transition to sustainable practices, helping the construction industry embrace more efficient and ecologically conscious material sourcing. Designers play a crucial role in this transformation, as they have the power to repurpose existing materials into high-quality new products, contributing to a more sustainable future.

What can designers do?

Ask yourself how you can integrate sustainable practices into your designs by choosing and repurposing materials that promote reusability. The technological resources to support these decisions are available, helping to build a cleaner, healthier planet now and in the future.

To learn more about how the Excess Materials Exchange is changing the game for sustainability in design, visit their platform.