ECOLOGIC (Emission Control and Logistics Optimization for Green Infrastructure Construction)

Motivation and goals (including links to Top-sector Logistics)
The construction industry relies heavily on logistics, but disruptions such as weather,
traffic congestion, breakdowns and disease make planning and execution challenging.
Even minor disruptions can lead to delays, cost overruns, project cancellations and an
increase in emissions. In addition, due to the complexity of the sector, the diversity of
data with unreliable data (such as emission data) it is almost impossible to have
effective management for emission reduction. ECOLOGIC aims to greatly improve the
sustainability of the Dutch construction logistics sector by developing reliable data-driven
insights and advanced analysis techniques (IoT and AI), through a real-time Carbon
Digital Twin (DT). This will be evaluated and demonstrated in two Living Labs. Through
anticipatory and adaptive logistics planning, the carbon footprint will be minimized while
optimizing operations. The approach consists of the "Triple A": Acquire (collect and
analyze data), Anticipate (predict) and Adapt (adapt to situations).
Activities / work packages
WP1 – Architecture and Evaluation: An architectural blueprint for a smart construction
site and a Carbon DT that manages disruptions in real time and enables the
optimization of resources in a sustainable construction logistics environment.
WP2 – Acquire: rapid detection of disruptions and anomalies by collecting sensing data
in a secure Data Space.
WP3 – Anticipate: Integration, and Tooling: An interconnected data platform that enables
secure communication, sharing and integration between different data sources and
services. Machine learning algorithms make it possible to predict disruptions such as
equipment failures or unexpected circumstances, and thus anticipate possible
disruptions.
WP4 – Adapt: Carbon DT: develops a platform where the different elements are linked
into a carbon DT with innovative smart services for monitoring and reducing carbon
emissions for construction sites and logistics centers.
WP5 – Living Labs: two Living Labs (LLs) aimed at promoting sustainability in building
practices. The first LL aims to create an environmentally friendly construction site, while
the second LL focuses on construction consolidation centers. Both LLs are collaborating
through a shared platform to develop innovative solutions with a focus on sustainable
construction logistics, and the effectiveness of the developed Carbon DT will be
evaluated.
WP6 – Valorization and Dissemination: making results accessible to a wider audience
and collaborations with industrial partners.
WP7 – Project Management: coordinates and oversees project activities.
Expected results
(1) A secure data space and carbon DT that, by linking data streams and new AI-based
models, identifies disruptions in planning and execution, and adapts and optimizes
execution with new services with a balance between operational efficiency and reduced
emissions and energy consumption. Expected outcome: 10 – 15% improvement in
operational efficiency, and 15 – 20% lower emissions and energy consumption, with an
expected cost reduction of 8% to 14%. (2) Two LLs in which the Carbon DT will be
implemented and its effectiveness demonstrated.
Innovativeness
The project introduces a dynamic system that can efficiently connect a large stream of
unreliable data sources and anticipate disruptions in the process and then adjust the
execution – in real time – to achieve better efficiency and lower emissions. ECOLOGIC
uses advanced AI techniques and Digital Twin technology to gain sufficient insight from
the large amount of unreliable and incomplete data and to anticipate changes.
Valorization strategy and implementation strategy
BAM, BouWatch, Cape Groep, Datacadabra and Hegeman-Nijverdal will integrate
the research results into their products/services. Collaborative living labs and knowledge
sharing will promote cross-sector collaboration. The University of Twente will manage
academic dissemination activities and provide industrial case tools. The Pioneering
Foundation will lead valorisation efforts.