Urban Mining Scan IBA’27 Stuttgart
Analyzing the material flows of building projects in the IBA’27 portfolio.
For this project, Metabolic worked with IBA’27 to generate insights into the material flows across the construction sector in Stuttgart at the individual building project level. We also demonstrated the impact of material use during the construction and renovation phases and highlighted potential impact reduction measures such as reuse.
- Client: IBA’27
- Date: November 2024
Setting high sustainability ambitions
The renowned building exhibition Internationale Bau Ausstellung (IBA) commits to setting new standards for sustainability and environmental stewardship through architecture, urban development, and engineering. With the IBA’27, the Stuttgart Region becomes a model for the transformation of industrially shaped metropolitan regions. The city of Stuttgart wants to reinvent itself as a sustainable city region with an urban lifestyle that was once dominated by the industrial and technology sectors. IBA’27 is a platform to demonstrate how other regions and cities can become agile in their transformation toward a sustainable and circular state.
Urban mining scan for construction, renovation, and demolition
As one of the potential strategies, the IBA’27 is focusing on urban mining. Urban mining is the process of recovering and reusing a city’s materials. For a variety of representative projects, we analyzed the materials that flow in and out of construction and renovation projects in Stuttgart. We also offered insights into the related impact of these activities as well as the potential impact reduction by implementing urban mining practices. Reusing materials for new construction projects has many advantages. The materials already exist within the city, eliminating the need for lengthy supply chains and enhancing resilience.
Setting clear targets and raising awareness in IBA’27 projects
This research has helped IBA’27 set an ambitious yet realistic goal for urban mining across ten projects by assessing material flows and potential for reuse. The findings have raised awareness of urban mining practices in the Stuttgart region, engaging partners and the municipality. Additionally, the urban mining scan supports developing infrastructure for circular construction, it will show the participants and visitors to the building exhibition in 2027 the untapped potential for reusing materials.
"Our collaboration with Metabolic has been a great example of how international partnerships can drive innovation. Their material flow analysis offers transformative insights, driving innovation in sustainable renovation and demolition practices."
