REBUILD - Advancing Circular Economy in Construction: Buildings as Material Banks
Date: Monday, June 9th 2025: 09:35 – 16:00
Social Learning Room, John Paul II Library (map), South Campus, Maynooth University.
Contact rebuild@mu.ie for further details
Workshop Description
This workshop aims to gather feedback, knowledge, experiences, failures, and successes from a wide range of stakeholders, including architects, construction representatives, and similar professionals. Through this workshop, participants will have the opportunity to learn from one another, with a specific focus on exploring circular economy activities and opportunities within the construction industry.
The workshop organisers are Dr. Edgar Galvan (edgar.galvan@mu.ie), Dr. Lucia Vazquez-Mendoza (lucia.vazquezmendoza@mu.ie), Dr. Fergal Stapleton (fergal.stapleton@mu.ie), Department of Computer Science, Maynooth University.
This workshop is free to attend for all delegates and speakers. However, registration is essential. To register please contact rebuild@mu.ie - registration closes at 11:30 PM on 2nd June 2025.
Workshop Timetable
This is our DRAFT programme - there may be minor changes - keep checking this website for the most updated version of our programme
| Programme Item | Programme Activity |
|---|---|
| 9:35 AM - 10:00 AM | Registration & Networking |
| 10:00 AM – 10:20 AM | Welcome Welcome Remarks: Overview of the workshop objectives, goals, and expected outcomes. Introduction to REBUILD Project:Brief introduction to the REBUILD project. |
| 11:40 AM – 12:00 PM | Introduction to Content and Concepts |
| 10:20 AM – 11:40 AM | Co-creation Session 1 – Elements of Circular Economy in the Construction Secto Facilitator: TBC This session focuses on identifying the key principles and components of the circular economy within the construction sector. In addition to outlining these core elements, the session will explore the main enablers and barriers encountered by various stakeholders, including policymakers, industry professionals, architects and more. |
| 11:40 AM – 12:00 PM | Tea/Coffee/Rest break |
| 12:35 PM – 12:55 PM | Co-creation Session 2 – Co-creation Session 2. Imagining Solutions for Barriers Facilitator: TBC Leveraging the insights from Session 1, we'll forge innovative pathways to overcome the identified barriers. This session is dedicated to crafting actionable enablers that will promote the circular economy in the construction sector. |
| 1:10 PM – 2:00 PM | Lunch & Networking |
| 2:00 PM – 2:20 PM | Keynote Session – Circular Economy in Construction: Challenges and Opportunities Speaker: Warren Phelan An Environmental Protection Agency Perspective on the Circular Economy in the Construction Sector - Ireland |
| 2:20 AM – 2:35 AM | Environmental Protection Agency-funded Projects on Circular Economy Presenters:
|
| 2:35 PM – 3:25 PM | Co-creation Session 3 – Digital toolkits for Circular Economy in the construction sector Facilitator: TBC Building upon the foundational knowledge from Sessions 1 and 2, this session will focus on collectively envisioning and designing the role of digital transformation in advancing the circular economy. We will explore how novel or existing digital tools could be developed or extended to provide crucial data-driven insights, empowering stakeholders to better understand and navigate the complex trade-offs (e.g., cost implications, carbon footprint) associated with diverse material choices. |
| 3:25 PM – 3:55 PM | Panel Discussion – Lessons Learned and Failures in Circular Economy Implementation Panellists:
|
| 3:55 PM – 4:00 PM | Closing Remarks & Next Steps Speaker: TBC Summary of key takeaways from the workshop. Next steps in the REBUILD project and how participants will be involved in future developments. Closing comments and appreciation for contributions. |
Workshop Delivery Mode
This workshop will be held as an on-campus, in-person, event. On this occasion, there are no hybrid or remote options for joining the workshop.
Workshop Registration
Some delegates will use their cars to reach Maynooth. Our workshop is taking place at the South Campus outside of term time, meaning parking restrictions and permit requirements will not be enforced. As a result, attendees can park for free in any designated parking space across the university’s car parks.
While parking is generally more available outside of term time, we still encourage delegates to arrive early to secure a convenient space. There should be ample parking throughout the North and South Campuses of the university.
We will provide more detailed information on car parking closer to the event. Please contact us (email below) if you need any assistance or local knowledge to help plan your journey to Maynooth University for our workshop.
Getting to our workshop: Public Transportation
We encourage everyone to travel by public transport or car share where possible. Maynooth is an important destination in North Kildare and a variety of sustainable travel options are available for our staff, students, and visitors.
Please check out the following links for more detailed information on travelling using Public Transportation to/from Maynooth University:
- Maynooth University web pages - Commuting to the University
- Maynooth University Public Transportation Guide (PDF) - Public transportation guide (PDF)
Please contact us (email below) if you need some information or local knowledge help in planning your journey to Maynooth University for our workshop.
Our Venue - John Paul II Library
The John Paul II Library is centrally located on Maynooth University’s South Campus, serving as a key resource for students and researchers. The library features a spacious entrance area and well-designed study spaces to accommodate a variety of learning needs. For information on accessibility features, including wheelchair access and facilities, visitors are encouraged to consult the library’s official website or contact staff for assistance.
The Social Learning Room is a dynamic and flexible study space within the John Paul II Library at Maynooth University. Designed to support collaborative learning, this space is equipped with tables and comfortable seating, making it ideal for group work, workshops, and interactive study sessions. Whiteboards are available to facilitate brainstorming and idea-sharing. Eduroam WiFi is accessible for those with network access, while the public MU-Guest WiFi is available for visitors.
The Eircode for the John Paul II Library is W23 W6R7. The Google Maps pin location is provided here John Paul II Library, Maynooth University while the OpenStreetMap pin location is provided here OpenStreetMap.
Workshop Support
This workshop is provided with financial support by the Environmental Protection Agency. This project is funded under the EPA Research Programme 2021-2030. The EPA Research Programme is a Government of Ireland initiative funded by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications. Workshop support is also provided by the Department of Computer Science at Maynooth University. The workshop organisers are Dr. Edgar Galvan (edgar.galvan@mu.ie), Dr. Lucia Vazquez-Mendoza (lucia.vazquezmendoza@mu.ie), Dr. Fergal Stapleton (fergal.stapleton@mu.ie), Department of Computer Science, Maynooth University.
