CARE - Climate-Neutral and Resource-Efficient Construction

The construction industry is one of the most resource- and energy-intensive sectors in the world, associated with considerable environmental impacts in the form of waste and emissions as well as challenges such as comparatively low productivity and demanding working conditions. The Cluster of Excellence CARE aims to fundamentally transform key areas of the construction industry through the development and integration of innovative materials, pioneering design approaches and advanced manufacturing technologies. The project focuses on the application of digital technologies and the establishment of sustainable framework conditions to develop scalable, cost-efficient, and climate-resilient construction concepts that are adaptable and usable worldwide. 
CARE has the goal to transform the construction sector toward climate-neutral, resource-efficient, and socially sustainable practices. The project runs as a Cluster of Excellence led by Technische Universität Dresden and RWTH Aachen University, with participation from international partners including UNU Resource Nexus. 
The Research Areas (RAs) within CARE bring together expertise from various disciplines and cover Building Materials (RA1), Structural Design (RA2), Manufacturing Technologies (RA3), Digital Methodologies (RA4), and Integrated Sustainability Frameworks (RA5). UNU Resource Nexus plays a leading role in Research Area 5 (Integrated Sustainability Frameworks). This research area advances Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment by integrating circularity, resource nexus thinking, and spatial and temporal aspects into digital assessment tools. The work also examines stakeholder perceptions and social factors to strengthen acceptance of innovative construction solutions. In addition, the project develops methods that help align construction practices with sustainable finance criteria, including the European Taxonomy. CARE contributes to climate neutrality, resource efficiency, resilience, and improved working conditions in construction. The outcomes support the global transition toward sustainable and affordable buildings and infrastructure.  
This project relates to the following Focus Area of UNU Resource Nexus: Sustainable Buildings and Construction. CARE is funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) as an Excellence Cluster.