Real-Time Digital Exchange Platform for Construction Material Reuse
Students designed and prototyped a real-time digital exchange platform aimed at transitioning the construction and demolition industry from a linear disposal model toward a circular economy. Using a mixed-method research approach, the team conducted qualitative interviews with US and European construction stakeholders, performed quantitative analysis on industry sustainability datasets, and identified key system-level barriers such as fragmented data, lack of stakeholder coordination, and workflow instability. To solve these challenges, the team developed a functional platform prototype featuring a real-time material marketplace, map-based geospatial filtering, and project management tools that align procurement with construction schedules. By integrating material specifications, geographic location, and project timelines, the platform enabled data-driven decision-making and minimized carbon emissions across the construction supply chain.