Rifiuti in edilizia ed economia circolare: da downcycling a upcycling con industria 4.0 Building waste and circular economy: from downcycling to upcycling with industry 4.0

The conference extends the problem to the issue of waste in general; toward the conclusion also in light of the specific role played by the two Universities promoting the conference and considering the specific interests of the writer, it becomes necessary to focus on the construction segment. The issue pertains to the absence of an industrial approach to production in general and, on the other, a lack of culture that invests in the adoption of equal terms for the client, the productive enterprises, the sector operators, citizens and young people (university students above all). A production, that is somewhat deliberately blind, which speculates on the environment to save money and ends up polluting it and, in order to save money, it leaves waste everywhere, a tangible testimony of economic exploitation, but also of a lack of culture on everyone’s part. The issue is much more complex in the building sector, which not only traditionally suffers from delays when compared to any other productive sector, but also both from a lacking and an ineffective building industrialization. Only this would allow a necessary transition from downcycling to upcycling, using at best the “5 R”s (Refuse, Reduce, Repair, Reuse, Recycle). Hence with reference to the Departments that have organized this Conference, this contribution intends to share research experience and project testing in the building sector in view of the launch of industry 4.0 and at the same time provide food for thought for the relevant scientific community and citizens, focusing on the importance of correct communication and teaching. Hence the following are illustrated researches and experiences in downcycling building; other research studies found in specific publications, on upcycling to conclude by stressing the need for an effective and correct communication (also in university teaching) to create a new culture, respectful of waste, a tangible expression of the lack of interest in the environment.