Research project
Materials-GRoWL: Gauging the Rest-of-the-World’s Lifecycles of Construction Materials
What types of construction materials are used in the Global South, where are they, and what levels of societal services do they support? How will material use evolve under different development pathways and paradigms? What are these materials' environmental and societal impacts now and in the future, and can these be mitigated? How can we improve data collection and global collaboration on this issue?
- Duration
- 2023 - 2028
- Contact
- Tomer Fishman
- Funding
-
EU Horizon ERC Grant
Short abstract
Materials-GRoWL will estimate the current and future construction material uses that compose human settlements of the Global South and assess their environmental and socio-economic impacts now and in the future, filling a major gap in sustainability research
Project Overview
The Challenge
Construction materials are the foundation of modern cities, yet they come at a cost:
- 50% of global raw material consumption stems from construction.
- 16% of global CO₂ emissions are linked to cement, steel, and bricks.
- Most future material demand will come from the Global South, yet data on these regions is scarce.
Despite their central role in urbanization, the lifecycles of these materials—from extraction to demolition—remain poorly understood, particularly in developing countries. This project addresses that gap.
Our Approach
The project employs innovative data science, remote sensing, and machine learning to track, predict, and analyze construction material flows across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Our research is structured into four key areas:
- High-Resolution Mapping: Creating spatially detailed material stock databases for key countries
- Scenario Forecasting: Modeling future material demand under different economic and social pathways.
- Risk Assessment: Identifying environmental and socioeconomic impacts, including climate vulnerabilities.
- Knowledge Exchange: Building an open-access framework to share data and methodologies globally
Expected Impact
- Improved Data – High-resolution insights into material use across developing regions.
- Sustainable Policies – Informed decision-making for urban planning and resource management.
- Climate Action – Strategies to reduce emissions and environmental footprints.
- Global Collaboration – Strengthening research ties between the Global North and South.
Why It Matters
Next Steps: Beyond the Research
Findings will be used to guide urban sustainability strategies, circular economy policies, and infrastructure planning to help cities grow efficiently while minimizing environmental harm.
Why Leiden University?
Leiden University is a leader in industrial ecology and sustainability research, offering expertise in material flow analysis, life cycle assessment, and remote sensing applications.
Social Relevance
Sustainable material use is essential for equitable urban development, climate resilience, and resource efficiency. By bridging the data gap, this research provides actionable insights to shape the cities of tomorrow.