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.