The European DeCO2 project takes center stage at a technical conference on decarbonization and circularity in construction held in Valencia

On June 5th, a technical conference focused on low environmental impact construction products was held in Valencia (Spain). The event brought together over 200 professionals, suppliers, and students, becoming a high-value forum for knowledge exchange and collaboration. 

Organized by the Valencian Institute of Building (IVE), partner of the DeCO2 project, and hosted at the School of Architecture of the Polytechnic University of Valencia (UPV), the event was officially part of the EU Sustainable Energy Week 2025 (EUSEW) as an Energy Day, highlighting the role of circularity and innovation in advancing the EU’s decarbonization goals. 

DeCO2: Circularity applied to real-world construction 

One of the key moments of the conference was the presentation of the DeCO2 project, a European initiative promoting circular innovation in the built environment through the development of construction products made from secondary bio-based materials and construction and demolition waste (CDW). These materials will be tested in three large-scale demonstration projects in Ireland, Austria, and Spain. 

Mar Porcar, from CoCircular and project partner, presented the Spanish pilot, currently in the selective demolition phase of the Municipal Library of Castellón. CDW is being recovered there for reuse in innovative products and technologies, which will later be tested in a second building located in a regulatory sandbox in the city of Valencia. The initiative aims to demonstrate a fully circular ecosystem at local level. 

Digital tools to support circular design 

Joan Romero, IVE technician, introduced the ongoing development of the C-Toolbox, a digital design support tool under development within DeCO2. This toolbox builds upon the existing TURIA platform, enhancing it with new features to incorporate circularity criteria, material traceability, and environmental performance from the early stages of the design process. 

This initiative reinforces IVE's commitment to digital innovation for sustainability, integrating life cycle analysis, advanced manufacturing (3D printing and robotics), and data-driven design workflows. 

A space for exchange and collaboration 

Beyond DeCO2, the event also featured a selection of public tools promoted by IVE and the regional government (Generalitat Valenciana), aimed at fostering sustainable construction practices and supporting technical decision-making in environmental assessment. 

The conference provided a platform for engagement between public institutions, companies, professionals, and academia, reinforcing Valencia’s position as a reference hub for innovation in the circular and low-carbon built environment.