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Fagerhult explores circular process in aluminium recycling pilot project
In a pilot project, Fagerhult and Hydro Extrusion Sweden have explored circular processes for the reuse of aluminium – focusing on efficiency and preserved material properties. With the goal of reusing high-quality, extruded aluminium from end-of-life luminaires in the future, Fagerhult, together with Hydro, has explored the possibility of circular models in a pilot project.“Many of our luminaires have an aluminium body, and we want to ensure that they can be optimally recycled without losing the quality or properties of the material. In collaboration with Hydro Extrusion Sweden, we are now exploring how we can close the loop,” says Niclas Thulin, Head of Sustainability at Fagerhult.Recycling in a new lightThe pilot project was initiated in connection with Norwegian Property's ambition to achieve more efficient energy use at Snarøyveien 30 in Oslo. Fagerhult then saw an opportunity to reclaim a large number of Notor luminaires, and the possibilities of recycling and circular processes were explored.“Reuse was not possible, but since there were a larger number of luminaires, we wanted to make the best use of the material,” explains Niclas Thulin. “When extruded aluminium luminaires are recycled, it is common for the material’s properties to undergo downgrading, and then be used in die casting, for example. In this project, we wanted to close the loop and ensure the qualities of the material by allowing the original producer to process the material again. The pilot project resulted in the aluminium being melted down and reshaped, Niclas Thulin continues. Throughout the pilot project, the focus has been on circular processes and sustainable innovations. The goal has been to take new steps beyond the norm and the expected – and to overcome the major challenge of recycling used extruded aluminium – while preserving material properties.“Aluminium is a uniquely durable metal that can be recycled almost endlessly, but like all materials, it needs to be handled responsibly,” says Kristian Frisk, Account Manager at Hydro Extrusion Sweden. “Together, we were now able to recycle the equivalent of 1,300 kg of aluminium in the pilot project, but the big gain is the insights we will take to future projects.”Long-term solutionsWith a long-term perspective and an aspiration to contribute to sustainable development, Fagerhult has pushed the boundaries of what was previously possible and taken a major step towards meeting the demand for new circular solutions.“Together with Hydro Extrusion Sweden, we have closed the chain and demonstrated that it is possible to create new circular processes where all our aluminium luminaires can be handled circularly in the future,” concludes Thulin.
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Sim Sala BIM! The revolution of the construction process
The construction and real estate market is undergoing a major change where digitization plays the leading role. The magic is spelled BIM – Building Information Modeling. BIM is the new way of planning and implementing construction projects and interior designs, enabling a more efficient construction processes where selection of methods, materials and products can be evaluated at the design stage. By creating a virtual 3D model of the construction project, you get a tool that rationalizes the project, improves the budget and significantly reduces the risk of mistakes and additional costs. The 3D model can be used for simulation and verification and before the actual building process has begun.The virtual 3D model is filled with BIM-objects, advanced data files based on real products and constructions. The BIM-objects are provided by manufactures from various industries involved, like building elements, windows, plumbing, kitchens, flooring, coating, furniture and lighting. Img 1 FAST GROWING TREND ”Planning with BIM-objects is a strong international trend, today companies as well as governments are implementing BIM-strategies in order to improve quality and effectiveness within their building processes. In Great Britain BIM is legislated in public procurement and we expect followers”, explains Magnus Karlsson, business developer at BIMobject. BIMobject is a Swedish company providing a global platform for BIM-objects, helping producers to market their products to architects, construction engineers, consultants and other important decision makers. Today BIMobject has approximately 1.2 million professional users all over the world. CONTENT IS KING ”Our ambition is to help our clients to establish a dialogue with the architect in an early stage, by providing relevant and detailed product knowledge of premium technical quality. You see, a BIM-object is not only a 3D model. The BIM-object also contains all imaginable information about the product and its properties. The platform even allows the architect to have direct contact with the producer. If you are an architect working in Germany you can get direct access to the company’s German representative ”, says Magnus.The BIMobject platform works as a community where producers are offered help with developing and publishing content and quality verifications. For architects and other professional users, the membership is free at the moment. The BIM-objects at BIMobject are offered in different file formats like ArchiCAD, Revit and/or other-files according to the producers’ standards.Download track controls also ensures that users get information when or if products have been updated or discontinued. Q Magnus THE BUILDING’S DIGITAL TWIN Magnus Karlsson predicts an even closer cooperation between providers and architects as the BIM revolution facilitates technical dialogues in an early stage. ”Content and communication will have equal importance as price and delivery in planning and procurement. The BIM 3D-model and its objects will also facilitate facility management when the project is completed. The model is the buildings’ digital twin, offering information about all its components, and how they are to be served and maintained. For example: If you need to change a light source in a luminaire, the electrician doesn’t have to check it out IRL, the information about the light source is provided by the BIM-object within the model.” According to Magnus, BIM is a powerful way of working that will change the construction industry in its core. “We are experiencing an exciting time of advanced digitalization and in the long run, there are no options – you have to jump on the BIM wagon.” FACTS: HOW TO WORK WITH FAGERHULT AND BIM To facilitate and offer improved effectiveness in large scale construction or renovation processes, Fagerhult offers BIM-objects for all major luminaire series – for example the new Dwide range. The BIM-objects are available for download at the BIMobject community. The objects are presented as Revit-files with information about versions, dimensions, materials, colour and other product properties. You can also get information about lighting properties, installation and inspiring application suggestions. Fagerhult’s BIM-objects do not include ies-files, however these can easily be imported when visualizations are needed. For download please visit bimobject.com or fagerhult.com.
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