Circular Economy of Steel-Based Components: Deliverable D2.1

This report presents the results of the ADVANCE project, a RFCS Accompanying Measure that aims to develop and demonstrate circular economy solutions for steel and steel-based components in the construction sector. The project covers different aspects of reuse, such as design, testing, certification, business models, and sustainability assessment, and provides recommendations and best practices for policy makers, industry stakeholders, and researchers. The report reviews the existing standards, guides, and technical specifications for the assessment and design of reused steel components and identifies the main barriers and challenges. It also showcases some innovative solutions and case studies of reusable steel and steel-based structures and dismountable connectors, and evaluates the environmental, economic, and social impacts of reuse and recycling of steel components using different methods and tools. Finally, the report analyses the existing and upcoming policies and regulations at the European and national levels that affect the circular economy of steel-based components and provides policy recommendations and proposals for new standards and guidelines to support the reuse and recycling of steel components. Annex A of the report presents glossary of terms and definitions used in this report and in the ADVANCE project in general. Factsheets of the newly developed Case Studies of structural steel reuse are presented in Annex B.