Within the DECORUM Project a multi-user platform was created to promote a transparent use of recycled products in public works in line with Italian GPP Criteria
In the framework of the DECORUM Project, developed in Lazio Region (IT) by ENEA, Contento Trade Srl and Softlab SpA, a multi-user platform was created to handle and control all stages of public work realization and to give support to all actors involved in the various stages of implementation. Thanks to the platform contracting authorities, designers, construction companies, producers of building materials, recycling plants) will be able, using a series of tools, to manage their actions and procedures and verify the compliance with regulatory technical and environmental requirements. Decorum platforms contains the following tools and databases: 1) Regulatory and standard database; 2) Interactive databases and catalogues of qualified products; 3) Interactive maps for the geolocation of construction and production sites and treatment plants; 4) Tool for the management of automatic procedures. The DECORUM Platform, currently in phase of validation thanks to the collaboration of some public administrations, will be a valuable tool for empowering public works’ contractors to reduce the environmental impacts, to promote the conscious and transparent use of recycled products. The platform is also a valuable instrument to facilitate the full implementation of Green Public Procurement (GPP) and the compliance with Minimum Environmental Criteria for buildings (in force in Italy ) and for roads (in course of being issued).
Resources needed
The DECORUM Project received an EU funding of 600.000€ from Lazio Region (Italy) within POR FESR 2014-2020. The Project involved three partners: ENEA (Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development) and two companies, Contento Trade Srl and Softlab SpA.
Evidence of success
The DECORUM Project produced a very concrete output: an online interactive control and training support tool for all actors involved in public works. Structured after an in-depth analysis on barriers and critical issues faced by all stakeholders, through their active involvement with questionnaires and direct interviews, for the definition of priorities, potential drivers and actions, the Platform went through a test phase with final users to verify the compliance of each section/tool.
Potential for learning or transfer
The DECORUM Platform represents a replicable tool that can be transferred to other Regions, by adapting it to the specific regulations and creating specific local maps and marketplaces. The Platform helps public contracting stations in implementing a transparent, efficient, holistic, and effective management of all phases of public work planning. Thus, this practice has a high potential to promote: an informed, transparent use of recycled products; the reduction in the use of raw materials; the use of selective demolition; the empowerment of building contractors to effectively reduce environmental impacts; an improved application of technical standards for recycled materials; the development of a sustainable market for recycled materials; the increase of durability and environmental sustainability of works, while potentially reducing costs throughout their entire life cycle. The development of the Platform is the crucial part of the practice, but also its implementation needs resources
Tags: Audit, Circular economy, Construction, Procurement, Recycling, Reuse of waste, Waste
