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From hazardous substance to recyclable material – Fraunhofer IBP opens new laboratory for hazardous substances and circular economy

The Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics IBP has opened its new laboratory for hazardous and harmful substances – a decisive step towards safer renovations and a functioning circular economy in the construction sector. The aim is to analyse building materials more quickly, minimise risks and make valuable resources reusable in future.

The challenge of old buildings – an opportunity for the future
Around two-thirds of buildings in Germany were constructed before 1980. Many of them contain materials such as asbestos or other substances that are now considered hazardous. These legacy issues are holding back the wave of refurbishment, driving up costs and posing a threat to health.
The Fraunhofer IBP’s new hazardous substances laboratory is shaking things up: using modern sensor technology, innovative processing methods and sound research, it delivers solutions to identify and neutralise pollutants and return building materials to the material cycle as raw materials.

Key research areas:
Rapid detection: New sensor technologies will in future identify asbestos directly on the construction site – comprehensively, in real time and without time-consuming sampling procedures. This allows risks to be identified earlier, work processes to be accelerated and occupational safety to be improved.
Recycling instead of landfill: Instead of simply disposing of materials contaminated with harmful substances, the laboratory is researching methods for the safe treatment, neutralisation and reuse of mineral raw materials. This brings the goal of a genuine circular economy in the construction sector within reach.

Innovative laboratory container concept – safety and functionality combined
The planning and implementation of the new laboratory container took place in close collaboration between deconta GmbH and Fraunhofer IBP. Fraunhofer IBP defined the requirements for laboratory operations, taking into account the Technical Rules for Hazardous Substances (TRGS 519) for handling materials containing asbestos within the framework of further research projects.

The concept is based on standard container sizes and incorporates comprehensive technical safety measures:

  • Personnel airlocks with showers for safe entry and exit, including hot water and wastewater treatment with asbestos fibre filtration.
  • Directed airflow and negative pressure systems in the laboratory to prevent the release of fibres.
  • Safety cabinet based on conventional laboratory fume cupboards with a separate air purification unit.
  • Material airlock from the outside for contamination-free sample loading without interrupting research work.
  • Natural and artificial lighting, air conditioning for temperature control and an additional emergency exit as part of the emergency response plan.

All surfaces in the container are made of smooth, easy-to-clean materials to ensure a hygienic and safe working environment.
In addition, ergonomic details such as an extra hand basin, mirror and coat hooks have been incorporated to improve working comfort and laboratory workflows.

The container housing is insulated in accordance with the regional climate zone, ensuring that the laboratory can operate all year round – regardless of temperature or weather conditions.
The concept is rounded off by the high-visibility exterior coating, which clearly identifies the laboratory and contributes to safety.

The result is a mobile, highly secure laboratory that meets the highest standards of protection, functionality and research utility – a key component for a sustainable and safe circular economy in the construction sector.

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