FID Case Study: Material Index
Material Index’s innovative circular model salvages reclaimed materials from refits and catalogues them on an online platform for sale and reuse.
Their aims on FID were to deliver a successful pilot project, establish relationships with developers, and produce a successful sales proposition for a new user group.
Results
Throughout the trial, Material Index made significant achievements to aid the common goal of developing a more sustainable city skyline in east London. These included:
8000kg
Total waste diverted from landfill
14000kg
Total amount of carbon dioxide emissions reduced or prevented
4
Total number of new partners or clients in east London
Testbed Activity
Material Index implemented their circular refit model on a site on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, the Old Ford Thameswater site. Here, Material Index assessed the potential of their model, supporting the salvaging and extraction of unneeded mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) plant equipment and then selling them to other businesses through their platform.
Learnings and Challenges
Through assessing their model in a live location, Material Index determined significant areas for improvement and refinement. They expanded their platform’s capability to accurately catalogue and assess MEP equipment, which had previously not been explored.
Material Index built stronger relationships with specialist contractors and resale partners, leading to adjustments in the platform’s brokerage capabilities. They also developed the platform’s ability to track environmental impacts. Data gathering is now seamlessly integrated in the platform, offering clearer insights for stakeholders and clients.
Through stakeholder engagement and interviews, Material Index were able to gather invaluable insights into user experience of the platform. These discoveries have led to modifications and refinement of the platform’s interface and workflow.
Outputs
Environment
Material Index diverted 8000kg of waste from landfill and prevented the emission of 14000kg of CO2. They also trained two individuals in Green Skills during the innovation trial.
Business
Material Index were able to develop significant relationships with specialist contractors and resale partners, leading to smoother management of complex items, facilitating reuse and scale. They built four new partnerships in east London and increased their audience size by 40%. The testbed allowed them to move from level 2 to 3 in the NESTA Standards of Evidence framework.
Local Area
Material Index’s testbed had a strong emphasis on community engagement, focusing on utilising local talent, contractors, and resources. They employed a local demolition contractor, a local health and safety advisor, and created one new permanent employment opportunity for a local resident.
Calling all building and energy sector innovators! The Future Industries Demonstrator offers support and funding up to £25,000 to test and scale new solutions at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
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