Sustainability in Construction Materials: From Waste Valorization to Circular Economy

Already from the beginning, 50 years ago, the first nucleus of researchers establishing the research group, was convinced that the construction sector was the best option for the valorization of industrial by-products as “secondary raw materials”. In fact, this sector is probably the largest consumer of resources and the largest waste generator, consequently it has huge environmental impact. On the other hand, construction materials affect the performance of buildings with respect to safety, health, environmental performance and energy efficiency. Manufacturing of construction products using alternative raw materials; recycling to manage construction and demolition waste; durability and environmental compatibility of materials: all these were the different and challenging fields of research that the group has faced in a continuous effort of innovation and cooperation at national and international level. The focus of the group was already perfectly in line with what is now called “Circular Economy”, which at present is considered a revolution in the way of human economic development. We are sure the group thus contributed to this revolution even before the term was in current use. We feel ready for the next 50.