Structural Collective

We utilize Material Flow Analysis (MFA) to deliver quantitative insights into the stocks and flows of materials and associated energy, moving through defined systems such as urban or industrial environments. By mapping these flows, MFA helps identify key areas of resource consumption, material losses, and environmental impact. MFA is a powerful tool for cities, companies, and research institutions. It supports the development of targeted monitoring plans, helps translate broad sustainability goals into specific, actionable strategies and scenarios, and highlights policy options and priority action areas for improved resource efficiency. In addition to tracking material flows, MFA also enables an inventory of materials stored in the built environment, supporting initiatives in urban mining and helping stakeholders make the most of existing material stocks.

Instead of a linear approach of extraction, use, and waste, urban mining aims to recover valuable, secondary construction materials from existing infrastructure, buildings, and products. This method is crucial for a circular economy, where preserving value and minimizing environmental impact are central.
We apply urban mining with a systematic and data-driven approach, utilizing existing datasets, material inventories, and developed building profiles to map the material 'stock' in cities or areas. With the help of our urban mining model, we can accurately identify where and how much valuable material is located, including steel, concrete, timber, aluminum, and bio-based materials. This information forms the basis for targeted urban mining strategies during renovation or demolition, helping stakeholders such as municipalities, developers, and demolition companies to efficiently manage available resources.

We assist companies with regulatory requirements such as CSRD reporting and the complexities of Scope 3 greenhouse gas footprinting. Our experience includes collaborations with major construction companies in the Netherlands, navigating their intricate structures involving intercompany assignments across construction, development, demolition, and infrastructure. We translate these detailed footprint analyses into practical action plans aligned with Science Based Targets (SBTs), ensuring integration with existing operational systems. Our work also contributes to evolving industry discussions on Scope 3 emissions in the built environment.
Furthermore, leveraging this carbon accounting expertise, we support public entities, such as cities, in establishing CO2 budgets for key activities such as infrastructure projects and construction, and in analyzing pathways to stay within these allocated limits.

Our team has a strong track record in applying circular economy principles to urban planning, both internationally and within the Netherlands. We operate across all scales, from local neighbourhoods to national strategies, integrating circularity into mainstream planning practices. We enhance standard urban planning instruments and local legislation with advanced tools such as Material Flow Analysis (MFA) and Scope 3 emissions assessments to support effective implementation. A key area of focus is estimating and planning for the spatial implications of circular economy transitions. Whether leading projects independently or working in close collaboration with specialized urban design offices, we provide expert guidance across all stages of the urban planning process, helping cities and regions achieve tangible circular outcomes.