Sustainable Building Technology

We work closely with the Pioneering Foundation in several areas of research. This is a construction industry organisation in the east of the Netherlands that aims to facilitate partnerships between entrepreneurs, knowledge institutions, government and clients to develop new practices and products. Two Knowledge Network members of the SBT research group are active members of the Pioneering Expert Team.

The collaboration with Domijn focuses on applying for and conducting research projects, involving Saxion researchers, lecturers and students as well as Domijn employees. These include projects related to energy, indoor climate, circular (re)construction and reducing CO₂ emissions. Research is also being conducted into the introduction of innovative technologies, production processes and forms of cooperation all along the chain from construction to rental. Our mission is to combine sustainability with affordable, comfortable and healthy homes. The research findings are put into practice through pilot projects and publications to stimulate further research and other forms of knowledge sharing on sustainability in housing.

Wood is the best-known bio-based material. In the near future, it will be used even more as a building material. The reasons for this include the versatility of the material, its ability to store CO₂, its recyclability and the appearance of wood.

There are many initiatives among market players, (higher) education and research institutes, but a continuous learning pathway is missing. The Fieldlab Efficient Building with Wood (and other bio-based materials - FiEBH) addresses this issue by working with ROC Twente, the University of Twente and Saxion University of Applied Sciences and regional parties to establish links between the market, research and education. We will facilitate practical research and develop education to make better use of wood and other bio-based materials in the construction sector and incorporate this topic more into education at MBO, HBO and WO level.

The Fieldlab Digitalisation Energy Transition Twente is a partnership in which the knowledge institutions ROC Twente, Saxion University of Applied Sciences and University of Twente work together strategically with local authorities and companies. The aim of FiDETT is the acceleration of neighbourhood approaches to energy transition through the intensive use of digital technologies. To achieve this objective, FiDETT is working on two themes: (1) renewal and linking of MBO, HBO and WO study programmes and (2) putting on the agenda and conducting practical and fundamental research into new forms of cooperation and methods.

The Sustainable Building Technology Research Group is an asset to the field lab. It contributes knowledge and skills in building renovation, building performance assessment, digital modelling and simulation of buildings and neighbourhoods. Preliminary results of FiDETT are the cooperation between students and researchers on the application of a ground penetrating radar and the development of a 'measuring bicycle', as well as successful results in the SIA RAAK KIEM-funded project "Digitalisation for the energy transition of neighbourhoods: Digital Twins and innovative chain collaboration" (https://www.nwo.nl/projecten/kiemk2001068).

For several years, we have collaborated with Gooskens Hout on various research projects. This research focuses on both wood treatment and surface coating with bio-based materials.

The application of biomaterials in construction has enormous potential to reduce CO₂ emissions related to the production of steel, concrete and cement. Wood, for example, absorbs CO₂ during its growth phase and is easy to process industrially. However, if left untreated, it will weather and needs a protected surface. Wood treatment methods or coatings can be used to achieve the protective surface properties.

Therefore, there is plenty of potential here for further collaboration. Over the next few years, we will therefore be intensifying our collaboration, where research, education and practice will be a source of mutual enrichment!