Better procurement policies boost construction innovation

Reusing asphalt or making a movable bridge deck out of biocomposite material are just two examples of innovation in the world of civil construction. Municipalities, provinces and other major infrastructure clients are in a position to push for such innovations in their tenders. But new techniques can come with construction risks that companies are not always willing to take. Bart Lenderink examined how the procurement strategies used by clients and contractors can best be used to promote innovation in civil engineering. He was recently awarded a PhD from the University of Twente for his research. The construction and infrastructure sectors are major consumers of materials, and responsible for some 23 to 28 percent of total CO2 emissions. Construction also needs to become greener.