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Insert - platform for sharing re-useable building materials
Published on 17 February 2021
Netherlands
Utrecht
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About this good practice
The Foundation Insert started in 2018 from a cooperation between demolition companies, and engineering companies in this industry. The objective from Insert is to create a network that enables repurposing resources and materials from demolition projects. At a later stage gardening companies joined the platform, broadening the focus to plants, bushes and trees for (semi-)public spaces. Companies from both sectors found that materials and resources from their projects mostly ended up as waste, instead of getting a purpose in new projects.
The core of Insert’s proposition is an online marketplace (marktplaats.insert.nl) for materials and resources. On this online marketplace companies can post or look for available resources and materials from a wide range of categories, such as trees, heating installations and ceiling systems. Besides, Insert provides material and resource inventories, storage facilities, and consults on circularity and applying reused materials. The combination of the online platform and services provided, enable the Foundation Insert to reach its circular ambitions.
The main stakeholders of Insert are its co-founders and partners. Besides, companies such as demolition companies, architects, builders, contractors and project developers make use of the marketplace. They post and buy resources and materials.
The core of Insert’s proposition is an online marketplace (marktplaats.insert.nl) for materials and resources. On this online marketplace companies can post or look for available resources and materials from a wide range of categories, such as trees, heating installations and ceiling systems. Besides, Insert provides material and resource inventories, storage facilities, and consults on circularity and applying reused materials. The combination of the online platform and services provided, enable the Foundation Insert to reach its circular ambitions.
The main stakeholders of Insert are its co-founders and partners. Besides, companies such as demolition companies, architects, builders, contractors and project developers make use of the marketplace. They post and buy resources and materials.
Resources needed
Momently 4 people (3 FTE) work directly for the Foundation Insert. Besides, the organisation is supported by a network of 19 partners who facilitate the ambitions of Insert. If the initiative grows, more partners and employees are needed.
Evidence of success
First of all the Insert fills a gap when it comes to circularity within the building and construction industry. It enables companies to repurpose materials and resources at a as high as possible circular strategy. Momently 32 partners are involved in, or make use of, the services provided by the initiative and over 800 materials from 130 project locations are offered on the online Marketplace.
Potential for learning or transfer
The building and demolition industry is one of the major consumers of raw (virgin) materials, and also the major contributor to waste. This is the case for the Netherlands, as well as for other European countries/regions. Based on these facts, making better use of resources in the for instance building and construction sector is an urgency in other regions as well. The principle of an online platform combined with a network of partners would be easily transferable tot other regions and could have a great impact on circular material and resource use.
Further information
Website
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
Organisation
Insert
Netherlands
Utrecht
Contact
Researcher