Profile & Expertise
The Slovenian National Building and Civil Engineering Institute (www.zag.si) is an internationally recognised research organisation in the field of sustainable construction, recycling, energy efficiency and cultural heritage. Its research is focused on the development of new materials and technologies that will help promote sustainable development in Slovenia and foster technological innovation at a global scale. Its main activities include fundamental and applied research, testing, evaluation/measurements and training. As regards waste recycling, ZAG performs cutting edge research into the various possibilities for waste recovery in the construction and manufacturing industry. The Institute strives to find the most efficient solution in terms of both the nature and quantity of wastes, taking into account the location of potential end users, the current market demand for byproducts, its carbon footprint, the price of recycling processes, and, in particular, the feasibility of the application for standard civil engineering technology. Relevant expertise within KIC activities include: a) LCA and LCCA calculations for the automotive industry, b) the use of multi‐decisional tools (IT tools) to promote waste recovery and mainstreaming treatment processes, c) remediation of brownfields and water remediation, and d) recycling of waste from different industries and mining into the building sector (including immobilization of hazardous substances). Finally, ZAG acts as a facilitator for circular economy and industrial symbiosis initiatives by linking key industries and creating new value chains.
Role in the project
ZAG will lead efforts to transfer the acquired knowledge & experience in participating RIS countries (WP4) and participate in technology testing by supporting the retrofitting of one vehicle in own region (T3.2). In addition, ZAG will carry out research on how to stimulate the emergence of territorial ecosystems (T2.2) and contribute to the definition of territorial specificities with input from own country (T2.1, T2.3). Finally, the Institute will organise a matchmaking event (T4.2) to disseminate project outcomes and maximise project’s impact.
Contribution to knowledge building in the region
Through its participation in the INNOCAT project, ZAG will acquire the necessary technical knowledge to promote the retrofitting of publicly owned fleets of heavy-duty vehicles at national level, creating considerable environmental and economic benefits for the country. The Institute will also support the establishment of business support centres to promote the diffusion of knowledge & innovation among SMEs and support the deployment of circular economy initiatives through PPPs and knowledge triangle cooperations.
