In their efforts to fight against climate change, public authorities are asking companies to contribute by applying new regulations and requirements to achieve decarbonization goals for which these entities must find new ways to track, so Jovesólides has contacted the Spanish company CoCircular to understand what differentiates them from the rest and what are the benefits of their working model.
At what point was CoCircular born and how?
CoCircular: CoCircular was born out of an urgent need to address the environmental problems associated with waste management in the construction industry. Inspired by a strong commitment to the environment, we sought to develop a solution that would not only effectively manage waste, but also promote the circular economy, reducing the carbon footprint and encouraging sustainable practices, with a clear mission to end landfill. CoCircular arises from the need identified by Zubi Labs to address the inefficiency in waste management in the construction sector, marking its beginning in the development of solutions for a more sustainable and circular management of these materials.
With the challenge posed by the carbon footprint we have generated, what is the challenge we must face as a society to reduce it?
CoCircular: The most significant challenge is the transformation of our economic and production systems towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. This includes adopting renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, and promoting the circular economy to minimize waste and maximize the reuse and recycling of resources.
Our founding mission was to become the company of reference in 100% digital, traceable and circular waste management, preventing waste from reaching the landfill, reintroducing it into the value chain and ensuring an ambitious valorization of these materials with a guarantee of circularity. This mission is now a reality of which we are very proud.
Are these last months/years the ones in which you see more concern in the various companies about the challenge you are trying to solve?
CoCircular: In recent months and years, we have witnessed a remarkable shift in the attitude of companies towards the environmental challenges we face, especially with regard to sustainability and waste management. This change is driven by a better understanding of the environmental impact derived from their operations and a growing interest on the part of consumers in supporting companies that adopt sustainable practices. The circular economy is presented as an innovative solution, transforming waste into resources and closing the life cycle of products to generate sustainable economic and social growth.
In addition, the increase in ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) standards and the need to comply with current regulations, such as Law 7/2022 on Waste and Contaminated Soil in the European Union, have highlighted the importance of adopting more sustainable business models. These regulations introduce a shared responsibility between waste producers and holders, requiring an electronic information system for waste traceability and setting recovery targets of 70% for Construction and Demolition Waste (C&DW).
For us the recognition of the construction sector is a tremendous accolade because it puts in value a way of doing things based not only on technology (keep in mind that until now waste management was done by hand, and at best in an excel), but because we turn around the complicated paradigm of waste, which with our methodology become valorized in 89% (the Spanish average does not exceed 30%) drastically reducing the square meters destined to landfills and associated emissions. This sector generates 30% of the waste in Spain, and Europe is pushing strongly towards more sustainable waste management policies so it was obvious that someone was going to end up looking at the problem to put a stop to it… we were already in it with a lot of focus and that is why the sector today recognizes us as an integral, serious and solvent solution to put an end to the problem.
In this context, CoCircular plays a crucial role, offering advanced technological solutions such as the 360º advisor platform. This tool allows companies to optimize their waste management processes, ensure regulatory compliance, and contribute significantly to their decarbonization objectives.
How do you work with Artificial Intelligence and how does it save you time and streamline processes?
CoCircular: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is central to our strategy to optimize waste management and carbon footprint reduction. We use AI to analyze data, predict waste trends, and optimize collection and recycling routes. Our 360º advisor Platform, a leading CoCircular innovation, is based on the application of artificial intelligence (AI) to transform waste management in the construction sector. This digital tool takes full advantage of AI to analyze large volumes of data related to waste generated on construction sites, enabling more efficient and sustainable management. The use of AI in 360º advisor facilitates the prediction of waste trends, the optimization of collection and recycling routes, and the improvement of strategic decision making to reduce the carbon footprint.
360º advisor stands out for its ability to provide detailed metrics never before obtained, thanks to artificial intelligence. This not only streamlines processes, saving time and costs, but also promotes an effective circular economy, significantly reducing the waste that ends up in landfills. Therefore, the integration of AI in the 360º advisor platform evidences CoCircular’s commitment to technological innovation for environmental sustainability.
This synergy between 360º advisor and artificial intelligence represents a crucial step towards meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and demonstrates how technology can be a fundamental ally in the fight against climate change and in the promotion of sustainable practices in the construction industry.
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