Panel discussion: Circular transition in Facade Design and Manufacturing | moderated by Thaleia Konstantinou, assoc. prof. Dr-Ing at TU Delft

Overcoming Barriers and Unlocking Potential for a Sustainable Future in the Facade Industry

The facade industry plays a crucial role in transitioning towards a Circular Economy (CE), yet significant barriers hinder progress. This session explores how facade designers, engineers, and manufacturers can shift from linear models to circular practices, such as remanufacturing and optimized material cycles. Key topics include collaboration with stakeholders, supply chain complexities, and the need for standardized evaluation methods. We will discuss technological, logistical, and financial barriers while highlighting opportunities for innovation, reverse logistics, and policy support. By addressing these challenges, the industry can unlock the full potential of circular facade design, reducing environmental impact and enhancing long-term sustainability.

Moderator:

• Thaleia Konstantinou, assoc. prof. Dr-Ing at TU Delft

Speakers:

• Laura Craft, Head of Sustainability, Staticus
• Dietmar Bruederl, WICONA Project Service Director, HYDRO Building Systems
• Dima Othman, Facade Engineer and Lead Sustainability at Knippershelbig.
• Hans Jansen, Research and Development Leader at Permasteelisa Group
• Linda Hildebrand, Concular

Click here for the full program, session details and register.

Thaleia Konstantinou

Associate Professor, Architectural Façades & Products (AF&P) Research Group, Faculty of Architecture and The Built Environment, TU Delft

Laura Craft, Head of Sustainability, Staticus

As Head of Sustainability at Staticus, Laura Craft is dedicated to embedding lifecycle sustainability into façade construction processes, addressing the climate crisis and supporting the transition to a circular industry. With over 10 years of international consulting experience and technical training in architecture, façade engineering, and sustainability, she brings a holistic approach to sustainable construction practices. Laura began her career as an architectural engineer specializing in façades and sustainability, successfully delivering numerous high-profile projects across Australasia, East Asia, Europe, and Scandinavia. In her current role, she leads the implementation of Staticus’ sustainability strategy across product development, project delivery, and business operations.

Dietmar Bruederl, WICONA Project Service Director, HYDRO Building Systems

Dietmar Brüderl is a Mechanical Engineer and has held key positions, including Head of HBS Research and Development Center, Head of the WICONA Technical Center, Technical Director of WICONA’s Global Brand Center, and Technical Director of WICONA’s International Project Service. He actively contributes to industry development as a member of the Building Systems Expert Group inside the European Aluminium Association and the technical advisory board of Institut für Fenstertechnik e.V. (ift Rosenheim).

Dima Othman, Facade Engineer and Lead Sustainability at Knippershelbig.

Dima Othman is a Façade Engineer and Sustainability Lead at Knippershelbig Berlin with an M.Eng. in Façade Design and Construction from Technische Hochschule Ostwestfalen-Lippe. She is a DGNB consultant and a LEED AP in building design and construction. Her expertise lies in technical and circular façade design, minimizing embodied carbon emissions and optimizing their impact on operational performance. Previously, she worked at Arup as a Sustainability Consultant, with expertise in Passivhaus and Net Zero Carbon strategies. Dima is actively engaged in research on facade circularity and carbon planning. She has contributed to high-profile projects and panel discussions on climate adaptation.

Hans Jansen, Research and Development Leader at Permasteelisa Group

Hans joined Permasteelisa Group 20 years ago and has worked in various design roles at Scheldebouw.  As a lead concept designer he has worked on tendering and executing many projects such as: Headquarters of Booking.com in Amsterdam and Shard Place, IQL S9 and S4, Edge London Bridge in London. Last year he entered his new role as R&D leader at Permasteelisa Group, leading a group of R&D project managers on various topics in facade innovation. He is responsible for developments related to circular design, re-use and refurbishment of facades.

Linda Hildebrand, Concular

Linda Hildebrand, an architect specializing in sustainable construction at c u b e, previously held a professorship for Reuse in Architecture at RWTH Aachen and various guest professorships. She co-founded Concular, a platform promoting reuse in construction, where she serves as an external consultant. Linda coordinates Architects for Future’s group for educators, is part of BBSR’s ZukunftBau expert group, and serves on DGNB’s Environmental and Circular Building committee. She co-leads IW2050’s Circularity Working Group and launched CircuClarity in 2022 with Lisa Rammig to promote climate neutrality and circularity in the glass industry.