Agile and Flexible Construction Materials Standardization for Boosting the Twin Transition

The Agile and Flexible Construction Materials Standardization for Boosting the Twin Transition project (AFCOS) is a Horizon Europe pioneering initiative dedicated to developing flexible standardization practices that facilitate the adoption of innovative and sustainable construction products.

Along with the legislative, standardization and market contexts that impact the decarbonization of the construction sector, the AFCOS recognizes the importance of the capacity for standardization in industry as a key driver in the process. Stepping on detailed research the AFCOS project has launched a training programme on “THE STANDARDIZATION OF INNOVATIONS - UNDERSTANDING THE SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPLEMENTING STANDARDS. LEGISLATION. PROCESS OF STANDARDS DEVELOPMENT AND ADOPTION.”. It combines theoretical training for students with practical modules for professionals. The content is focused on basics for standardization and standards as a tool for market placement of products and innovative solutions in the construction industry and specific rules for standardization of low carbon cement and low carbon cement-based products as well as bio-based products for the insulation of the buildings’ envelope.

The AFCOS programme combines 2 main courses with 2 modules each:

1. General information and process of standardization, standards as a tool for market placement of products and innovative solutions in the construction industry (for students):
   1. Module 1 Fundamentals of European technical legislation and standardization ;
   2. Module 2 Product responsibility and market surveillance.
2. Specific rules for standardization of low carbon cement and low carbon cement-based products and bio-based products for the insulation of the buildings’ envelope (for professionals):
   1. Module 3 Green & Digital Transition ;
   2. Module 4 How to standardize innovative products “low carbon cement and low carbon cement-based products” and “bio-based products for the insulation of the buildings’ envelope”.