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ECTP Terms of Reference Draft September 5, 2006 of 33

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Terms of Reference (Updated version for HLG meeting on Sept. 12, 2006)


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FFoorreewwoorrdd The information contained in this document is intended for clarification of the organisational aspects of the European Construction Technology Platform (ECTP) in mid 2006. Details are given of the High Level Group (HLG), the Support Group (SG), the Advisory Groups (AGs) together with the currently established Focus Areas (FA), i.e. domains with needed technological developments over a 2030 time horizon. Linkages to the National Construction Technology Platforms, currently being established across Europe, are also included. A great many organisations have actively participated in the activities of ECTP during its two first years: development of a Vision and a Strategic Research Agenda, selection of first priorities, setting up of an EurekaBuild Umbrella. Those organisations with a specific role are listed in the Appendix. Nevertheless, the construction sector is broad with a diverse range of stakeholders and so wider involvement is actively encouraged to further develop the ECTP activities and in particular to develop trans-national European R&D projects to implement the Strategic Research Agenda towards Building for a future Europe.

Michel Cote Jesús Rodríguez Chairman of the High Level Group Chairman of the Support Group

BOUYGUES DRAGADOS


1. IInnttrroodduuccttiioonn The European Construction Technology Platform (ECTP) is in its present form supported by representatives of important stakeholder organisations in Europe. The platform is open to all who wish to participate and indeed a broad active involvement is encouraged. The representatives in the High Level Group (HLG) have endorsed the Vision and Strategic Research Agenda (SRA) of the ECTP based upon a horizon of the year 2030. The Vision 2030 document recommends that the design and construction sector actively engages with a sustainable and competitive Europe. It presents a construction industry that is increasingly client/user-driven, sustainable and knowledge-based, and proposes two inter-linked key goals to achieving these: - meeting client/user requirements; - becoming sustainable. These two goals are present throughout all of the objectives, and typical research targets are gathered under main research areas, which include: - process, product, infrastructure, cultural heritage, hazards, and social sustainability for the

goal of meeting client/user requirements; - interaction of the built and natural environments, in addition to interaction of the built

environment with citizens, without discrimination, together with production and upgrade of buildings and infrastructure for the goal of becoming sustainable.

These two key goals are supported by strategic research themes dealing with materials and technology, industry transformation, and service.


22.. TThhee CCoonnssttrruuccttiioonn SSeeccttoorr iinn EEuurrooppee The construction sector represents one of the largest shares of wealth to Europe's business economy. It accounts for around 10% of gross domestic product (GDP) and 50% gross fixed capital formation (GFCF). Construction is strategically important providing the buildings and infrastructure on which all other industries and pubic bodies depend. Construction employs more people than any other industrial sector, however, because many of the firms involved are small medium enterprises (SMEs) its overall importance to economic performance and growth is often not fully recognised. In the international marketplace, the European construction sector is a major contributor to exports, reported as winning more than 50% of major international construction contracts. Indeed, the international business volume of European construction companies is greater than that achieved by Japanese (by 10%) and North American companies (by 30%). In the last 100 years, the Construction Industry has been focused on the construction of products. The combination of industrialisation, efficiencies in the construction process and in the performance of construction materials brought about dramatic improvements. For example, skyscrapers could be built reaching 500 m or more; magnificent viaducts and bridges could span more than 1400 m; record tunnels could reach 56 km length; and record-breaking deep foundations could reach 120 m. All of these remarkable achievements were driven by technology and set the pace of innovation for the Construction Sector of the 20th century. As we enter the 21st century, European Society is facing an overwhelming number of challenges. Demographic changes, climate change, globalisation, and the sobering prospect of declining natural resources – such as drinking water and oil – create pressing problems to which we must find urgent solutions. And yet, European Society is still relying on the Construction Sector to produce better living and working conditions in the built environment. Society demands that it is accessible and comfortable for all, safe and secure, durably enjoyable, efficient and flexible to changing demands – while being both available and affordable. For the Construction Sector, this represents a dramatic upturn, providing the opportunity to convert a technology-push industry into a demand-driven sector. A race for performance is not the objective any more; the new objective for development is sustainability. This means building durable structures which do not impact on the environment, and which instead consume a minimum of resources. The new measure of success is the ability to satisfy all of the customer’s needs.


33.. MMiissssiioonn,, FFooccuuss aanndd OOuuttppuuttss

3.1 The Mission The European Construction Technology Platform (ECTP) will raise the sector to a higher world-beating level of performance and competitiveness. This is achieved by analysing the major challenges that the sector faces in terms of society, sustainability and technological development. Research and innovation strategies are developed to meet these challenges engaging with and mobilising the wide range of leading skills, expertise and talent available to us within our industry over the coming decades, in order to meet the needs of the Society.

The ECTP will have to overcome key challenges of the 21st century including:

� The industrialisation of the construction process to significantly reduce construction

costs and increase quality; � The creation of safe and healthy working and living environments for European

citizens; � Participation in the work to streamline national and European legislation to create a

truly common market for construction products and services; � Action to reduce the use of energy, materials, and other resources in construction and

in the built environment; � Enhancing the competitiveness of the European construction sector with respect to the

USA and the low cost economies; � Create an understanding that the construction sector is innovative and research-

driven; � Contribute to the improvement of the quality of the built environment that will be

accessible for all; � Address the needs of ageing and disabling population whose mobility and

independence are reduced by the absence of accessible transport systems and built environments;

� Make construction become an advanced knowledge economy sector at all levels of the supply chain;

� Support integrated and sustainable development and maintenance of the European urban and rural environments diminishing conflicts of parties involved in interventions in immovable cultural heritage;

� Ensure our cultural and architectural heritage is preserved for the benefit of society and the richness of our cities;

� Strengthen relationships through the supply and procurement chains particularly with clients, citizens and the end- users of construction products;

� Shifting focus from products to services to the Society.


3.2 Focus Areas

Research strategies are developed in a number of specific focus areas:

� Cities and Buildings: we need to close the gap between the citizen’s needs and what the sector can offer. Two complementary initiatives will take place: New concepts of buildings and construction processes that fulfil the needs of all citizens through a safe and adaptable “design for all” approach preserving natural resources using smart technologies; and, new approaches to urban planning, completely adapted to the citizen’s needs and respecting the architectural heritage of our urban areas. Programs for retrofitting of existing buildings and new concepts of “low energy consumption buildings” for new ones, in order to decrease energy demand, will be developed.

� Underground construction: can provide viable solutions for imperative societal needs, such as e.g. traffic congestions, traffic induced pollution and harnessing renewable energies, by e.g. moving infrastructures underground and using the freed above ground spaces for recreation, higher urban liveability and better energy recovery from existing and new subsurface space. This requires new business concepts /awareness for underground spaces and their potential, and the implementation of new and IT-supported technologies on underground works.

� Networks (rail, road, water and other infrastructure): this area is developing a vision from the service providers that will positively contribute to the future utility, quality and sustainability of the built environment.

� Cultural heritage: Europe is a continent with a very high number of historical buildings and monuments. It is essential to reconcile new development with the preservation of cultural heritage. Innovation in materials and techniques for cultural heritage conservation, maintenance and repair is of great importance. Assessment procedures and tools that consider the strategic and environmental impacts of both large and small urban developments should be developed and applied.

� Quality of life: our sector is rightly perceived as having a significant impact on the environment. As such, it has a key-role in achieving sustainable development in Europe. We must find ways to consume less energy, emit less GHG gases, generate less waste, use less chemicals, etc. A holistic approach is needed to design and construction processes that protect both construction workers and the end-users/citizens. This also includes safety, and security particularly from crime, natural disasters and from terrorism.

� Materials: construction uses higher volumes and varieties of materials than any other industry sector. Future developments in building materials will offer the potential to have huge environmental, economical and social impacts on the built environment. RTD in the fields of the most important/used construction materials is therefore of vital importance.

� Processes and Information & Communication Technologies: this area is developing new value driven and knowledge based business processes integrating all stakeholders in collaborative provision and life cycle support of constructed facilities.


The main technological challenges are the interoperability, enhanced functionality and user friendliness of numerous ICT applications of various stakeholders as well as intelligent systems embedded in the constructed products.

Additional Focus Areas may be defined in the future provided there is sufficient interest and a critical mass of organisations wishing to help develop the associated strategic research agenda.

3.3 Outputs

Typical outputs of major strategic importance are listed below.

�� VViissiioonn 22003300 for the European construction sector, signed and committed to by leading representatives of major stakeholder groups (endorsed by the HLG on March 1, 2005).

� SSttrraatteeggiicc RReesseeaarrcchh AAggeennddaa ((SSRRAA), outlining how the Vision 2030 will be achieved

including roadmaps and strategies (endorsed by the HLG on November 22, 2005).

� DDeettaaiilleedd PPrriioorriittiieess to be implemented at short and medium terms in R&D programmes or schemes (FP7, Eranet, Eureka, National ones…)

� Increased iinndduussttrriiaall RRTTDD iinnvveessttmmeenntt, crucial for achieving the Barcelona objective

of 2/3 industrial financing of research investments, with special consideration given to SSMMEE's.

� Improved return-on-investment on ppuubblliicc RRTTDD ffuunnddiinngg,, eessppeecciiaallllyy tthhee EEuurrooppeeaann CCoommmmiissssiioonn 77tthh FFrraammeewwoorrkk PPrrooggrraammmmee.

� Accttiioonn ppllaannss ffoorr rreesseeaarrcchh through existing tools, JJooiinntt EEuurrooppeeaann TTeecchhnnoollooggyy

IInniittiiaattiivveess (article 171 of the Treaty) and other mechanisms.

� Identify and address bbaarrrriieerrss ttoo RRTTDD aanndd tthhee ttaakkee--uupp of innovations and technology, contracting product development times and time to the market.

� Contribute to the EEuurrooppeeaann RReesseeaarrcchh AArreeaa ((EERRAA)),, including integration of Member State research programmes and projects.

� Contribute to the integration of nneeww MMeemmbbeerrss SSttaatteess by sharing knowledge and

technology and working on joint research and innovation activities.

� Recommendations regarding EU and national lleeggiissllaattiioonn aanndd rreegguullaattiioonn to create incentives for growth and development.


44.. SSttrruuccttuurree ooff tthhee PPllaattffoorrmm The structure of the platform is illustrated below:

The ECTP gathers appropriate members necessary to achieve its Mission. The members come from a range of stakeholder organisations including, but not exclusively, those listed hereunder:

• Contractors, Materials and Equipment manufacturers • Designers, Architects, Engineers • Owners / Operators / Clients • Users / Consumers • Service and Technology Providers • Research Centres and Universities • Cities and Regions • Financial Institutions

The Mirror Group is formed by representatives from the Member States and DG Research. It assures the link between the ECTP and Member States. The Chairman of the Support Group, the Secretariat and other SG members are regularly invited to participate in the meetings of this Mirror Group.

High Level Group

(HLG)

Secretariat

Support Group(SG)

National

Platforms

Focus

Areas

Plenary Assembly

MirrorGroup

Advisory Group(Clients & Users)

Advisory Group(SMEs)


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The ECTP High Level Group (HLG) gathers members consisting of senior decision-makers representing the construction sector. Members The HLG consist of construction sector representatives:

� CEOs or top executive managers of construction companies � CEOs or top executive managers of suppliers (services, components, equipments) � CEOs or top executive managers of major design consultants � CEOs or top executive managers of major operators � CEOs or top executive managers of financial organisations � Presidents of universities or research institutes � High representatives of major clients � Presidents of user organisations.

The HLG Chairman is an elected industrial representative, normally, a CEO or top executive manager of a major company. The duration of each cycle is two years, with the possibility of one re-election. Representatives from the European Commission, European Parliament and the Member States may be invited to attend the HLG meetings.

Main Tasks 1. Identify and consider major challenges to the sector 2. Endorse the Vision 2030 3. Endorse the Strategic Research Agenda 4. Propose action plans for research implementation (Joint Technology Initiatives,

priorities…) 5. Propose actions for large communication with the sector and the media 6. Approve the Programme of Activities of the Support Group.

Meetings The HLG meets regularly 1-2 times per year or otherwise as required by the Chairman.


44..22 SSuuppppoorrtt GGrroouupp The High Level Group (HLG) is assisted by the Support Group (SG). The SG is the executive level of the Platform. The members of the SG are charged by the HLG to develop activities (prepare the Vision 2030, the SRA, implementation actions…) under the mandate of the HLG, taking into account the deliverables and outputs from Focus Areas, Advisory Groups and National Platforms.

Members

The Support Group comprises 20-25 members having a clearly defined role in the structure of the ECTP and coming from the sector representatives:

� construction companies � suppliers of materials, products and services � designers � operators � research organizations � end-users/clients.

Leaders of the Focus Areas, Coordinators of the Network of National Platforms, Leaders of the Advisory Groups are members of the Support Group.

Representatives from the European Commission are invited to attend the meetings of the Support Group.

The Chairman is an elected industry representative. The duration of each cycle is two years, with the possibility of one re-election.

Main Tasks 1. Develop and prepare the Vision 2030, the SRA, list of priorities and other documents,

taking into account the HLG discussions and the deliverables and outputs of Focus Areas, Advisory Groups and National Platforms.

2. Propose R&D implementation plans and coordinate them. 3. Arrange HLG meetings 4. Propose Focus Areas, Advisory and Working Groups 5. Receive input from Focus Areas, Advisory and Working Groups 6. Design the dissemination strategy for the Vision 2030 and SRA documents 7. Develop terms of reference and the future contents of the ECTP 8. Establish appropriate links with other projects, networks and organizations 9. Propose Joint Technology Initiatives 10. Disseminate the results of the ECTP These tasks are carried out with the assistance of the Secretariat.

Meetings The Support Group meets 3-6 times a year or as required by its Chairman.


44..33 FFooccuuss AArreeaass The HLG has the remit to set-up Focus Areas (FA’s) on matters that it considers of particular importance to the future of the Construction sector. FA's report to the Support Group.

On-going FA's are presented below.

New FA’s may be opened in the future as a consequence of identified needs. The four vertical focus areas address specific segments of the industry. In addition three cross cutting, or horizontal, themes help to integrate and harmonise the different approaches in relation to Quality of Life, Materials and Processes & ICT. Again, additional horizontal themes may be created in the future depending on identified need and achieving the necessary critical mass of interest. The leaders of each FA define the group’s topics, organisational structure and meeting frequency. The outputs include specific proposals to the SG, contributing to the definition of the Vision 2030, Strategic Research Agenda, Priorities and Joint European Technology Initiatives. Main Tasks � Arrange discussion forums, workshops, etc. � Formulate visions and strategies in coordination with HLG and SG � Report to the Support Group � Disseminate all deliverables � Encourage and support proposals for projects and Joint European Technology Initiatives.

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Processes and Information & Communication Technologies


Focus Area: Cities and Buildings Cities being the most desirable places in which to live and work European cities exemplify quality efficiency and use of advanced technologies and practices whilst respecting and building upon their cultural heritage. They provide attractive, healthy and sustainable environments in which social and cultural values are cherished and fostered; places in which optimal management of resources ensures minimal environmental impact; renovated places meeting evolving users needs and ensuring low resources consumption; places in which buildings are built and maintained in a smart and sustainable way; places where social cohesion is underpinned by significant economic prosperity; places where coherent planning policies ensure equitable land use and places where equilibrium reigns between the needs of the citizen and the needs of business. Advanced techniques and know-how for city planning and building enhance the competitiveness of European construction industry. The challenge for the Cities of Europe Focus Area is to improve the health and quality of life of its citizens together with environmental and economic performance. This can be stated explicitly as follows:

� Improve the competitiveness and the productivity of the European construction sector

� Create new businesses and opportunities within the European construction sector

� Form alliances, particularly between the product end-users and the main actors in the construction process, to create a robust platform for development and realisation of Cities of Europe that meet the needs and wishes of their citizens

� Improve the health, comfort, security and safety of people in the closed and open spaces of the urban environment during the main activities of living, working playing and transportation

� Drastically reduce resource consumption of existing and new city areas and buildings. This will be achieved through ambitious energy programmes of renovation and renewal, leading to a major reduction of green gas emissions and new concepts for the next generation of low energy buildings

� Re-engineer the construction process into a safe and high-tech industrialised process having a minor impact on the environment. This can be achieved through extensive factory prefabrication of elements, components and complete building systems offering high quality, customisable and sustainable building units and modules making use of new materials and technologies

� Re-design urban planning activities into an integrated value-adding process

� Create a sustainable urban environment.


Focus Area: Underground Construction The future of underground construction in Europe Underground space has significant impact on quality of life, working conditions, the employment and the environment. Its possibilities have not been fully exploited. Thus, innovative use of underground space bears the potential to help tackle major societal challenges. European Union policies include an upgrading of the Trans European road network (TREN), in order to improve interstate transport. This implies the construction of a significant number of tunnels (approx. 2100 km of tunnels will have to be constructed in Europe by the year 2030). Underground construction operates in a very competitive international environment. For example, countries such as Korea and Japan have learned from European experience and are investing significant research funds in innovative technology, in order to take a leading role in the world. If the European industry sits back and allows this to happen, then its competitiveness will be lost and the economic damage would be substantial. European underground construction will only be competitive if all available research clusters in Europe are brought together to create a critical mass and so achieve a breakthrough in the application of innovative technologies. As a consequence of the work proposed, underground construction will be more cost-effective, safer and more environmentally friendly, as well as sustainable. As a consequence underground space will increasingly contribute to alleviate pressing problems that will challenge the European society in the next 20 years: traffic congestion (freight transport is expected to increase by 60% from 2004 to 2020), increasing urbanization (mega cities), lack of space, pollution of air and water, and increase of energy consumption/costs. Tacking these challenges, European industry will become more competitive in the world market.

The use of underground space will significantly contribute to resolve societal and ecological problems in the future. Underground construction will be more economic than building on the surface, especially in highly congested urban areas, where the cost of real estate will be prohibitive, or simply getting land rights will be not possible. Major challenges to be faced: � Reduce traffic congestion and pollution by moving transport lines underground � Improve liveability of urban areas by e.g. moving waste treatments and sewage plants

underground � Increase safety of underground construction by using ICT to automate the processes � Exploit geothermal energy along existing and new subsurface spaces (considering life

cycle cost models) � Use new performance based materials � Stir increased interest in the design of utilities with an easy use for everybody � Optimise the use of existing and new underground infrastructures as well as their

maintenance.


Focus Area: Networks An integrated network of utilities and infrastructure Networks represent the largest part of the built environment. They are the fundamental backbone through which European social cohesion and economic growth is being promoted and developed. Moreover, the impact of networks on the European economy is significant as the efficiency of the networks is the basis of the European competitiveness against strong competitors and low cost economies.

Under “Networks” the European Commission does include all types of services that are offered to citizens such as transport infrastructures (roads, railways, waterways etc) that assure quick and safe mobility of persons and goods and infrastructures of services (gas, water, energy, telecommunications, postal services, etc) that make our working and living conditions easier and more comfortable.

Owners and operators of any network, whether at local, national or international level, are legally responsible for its correct, continuous and safe functioning and owe a duty of care to the public and the users/consumers. This means that owners and operators must concern themselves with aspects of safety and security, user satisfaction, congestion, maintaining asset value, sustainability and accessibility. The latter must be balanced with meeting local, regional and central government objectives on, for example, economic and territorial development, health and social issues.

All issues above demand the maximum usage of the current networks and impact upon the funding of growth, operation and upkeep. Furthermore, to provide a commensurate return to governments and stakeholders (including citizens) on their investment in a network (by public money or according to tariffs), the service provided should be satisfactory, and demonstrably so.

These infrastructures must be seen as a unique integrated product or system that includes different functions and answers to different needs throughout its lifecycle and in accordance with end-user needs.

An integrated approach and unifying perspective to the networks is therefore proposed: integrated because it has to cover the whole life cycle (from conception through to construction and operation to eventual demolition and replacement), from components to system and from research to optimal use.

Five main lines of activity for future research are identified at the moment: management of the assets (incl. life cycle management), impact on the environment, safety and security, answer to increasing demand (i.e. mobility), inter-modality and inter-operability.

It is hoped to assure the economic but sustainable development of Europe by guaranteeing functional, innovative networks of infrastructures and utilities combined with integrated services.


Focus Area: Cultural Heritage Safeguarding our cultural heritage for future generations Cultural heritage enriches the collective memory; this makes the future of Europe human and friendly to its population. It is also the basic asset on which tourism is built. Construction activities and heritage preservation needs will however be in conflict if they are not considered together at the intial planning stage of any development.

The main challenge involves the application of special techniques, materials and processes in order to maintain the rich cultural heritage of the European Union. This is of crucial importance for all stakeholders oriented towards the maintenance and preservation of European cultural identity in the face of ever increasing globalisation. A robust research partnership between the construction industry, institutes and universities is important for heritage protection and its integration into the contemporary life of cities. The need to keep all stakeholders (e.g. authorities, construction professionals, academics, urban planners, sociologists, economists, environmental professionals, tourism operators, marketing professionals, researchers and training specialists etc.) in touch with heritage developments will be maintained within the European Construction Technology Platform.

The research challenges related to the involvement of the construction industry in the preservation of cultural heritage are focussed at the intersection of technology and environment. Socio-economic impacts need to be assessed in order to reach the goals of a consequence based approach to heritage protection.

The number of challenges - preservation, rehabilitation, integration in urban and natural, environment, increase of life quality, economic promotion, multicultural tolerance, spreading of awareness, knowledge transfer, and impact assessment – will be responded to by the activities of different working groups. The main topics, forming the foundations of heritage preservation, are: assesment, monitoring & diagnosis, materials, intervention techniques, environment & energy management, exploitation & maintenance together with city & land aspects.

The above are integrated with need for the development of knowledge, and its transfer through education and training. The implementation of sustainability principles in the protection of cultural heritage together with constant care for socio-economic aspects are also of vital importance. The latter will help to drive the development of relevant European directives, codes and standards particualry in relation to readiness and consequences related to natural hazards.

The active engagement of the European construction industry in the preservation of cultural heritage is crucially important for future generations and offers very significant RTD challenges.


Focus Area: Quality of Life A more sustainable built environment A very important aspect of construction is the provision of shelter of all human activities: family homes, workplaces, leisure places, and transport infrastructures. It is difficult to quantify the extent to which our quality of life is dependent on the quality of the built environment i.e. how much it influences our way of living and working. This makes the construction sector a key contributor to quality of life and a sustainable society.

The first ambition of this Focus Area is to raise awareness of all stakeholders in construction as to their social responsibility and particularly to create an interactive dialogue with end users. The second ambition is to promote a new approach to Research and Development activities, which brings human concern to the forefront.

A people centric holistic approach is needed in order to meet the major challenges facing the society in an effective way:

� Worldwide demographic growth is creating the urgent need to implement the concepts of sustainability in our built environment. Construction has a pivotal role to play in preserving the environment, mitigating existing polluted areas, saving natural resources such as water, energy and raw materials.

� Climate change is creating the vital need for major evolutions of our built environment. Construction has a pivotal role to play in adapting our homes to a more variable climate by providing the necessary infrastructure to control increasingly frequent natural hazards (floods, landslides, earthquakes).

� Sustainability also means that the Construction Sector must put major efforts into meeting human needs: the impact of indoor environment on human health is still a new domain for research. Finally, it is still unacceptable to see this sector of activity plagued by one of the most dramatic rates of work related injuries and fatalities.

At the same time, the enlargement of European Union creates the need to upgrade a vast proportion of the built environment of Europe and to redevelop transport networks/infrastructure. A new picture of Europe is being now being drawn, it is urgent to develop new methods and processes needed for a sustainable future. A unique opportunity exists to introduce a new more sustainable approach to construction.

Quality of Life is a relatively new concern for the Construction Sector; for this reason it is absolutely necessary to organise efficient and effective research and development efforts. The objective of this Focus Area is to empower this new holistic concern into the reality of our construction sites: by raising awareness of societal concerns in relation to our construction processes and by promoting a new research approach that includes a greater input from the human sciences.


Focus Area: Materials Modern functional materials for the future of construction For any kind of construction building materials are needed. The total amount of materials required for construction purposes in Europe exceeds 2 billion tonnes per year, making it the largest raw material consuming industry. The materials form an essential part of the buildings we live and work in; the roads, in bridges and tunnels we use to move around and in the networks of drinking and waste water etc. Materials, and their combinations, create the aesthetic expression and provide structural strength and durability to all buildings and structures. Construction materials have an important role to play in sustainable development through their energy performance and durability, as this determines the energy demand of buildings through the lifetime. By developing the use of materials and their combinations, significant improvements of the environment and quality of life can be achieved. Together with the energy and the raw materials used during their manufacturing it becomes obvious that the production of building materials has a significant environmental impact due to the sheer quantities involved. Beside these sustainability aspects building materials have a major economic impact on society. Developed regions including the EU, must enhance their infrastructure and also renew and repair under-performing structures. Wear and durability issues necessitating repair of roads, buildings, water network etc. cause major disruption with large associated costs. Over the long-term, knowledge generation and better use of building materials can impact beneficially all these areas of our daily life. Recent advances in nanotechnology, modelling, analytical techniques and other technologies have the potential of creating breakthroughs in the production, properties and use of building materials. Any strategy to achieve economic, ecologic and social objectives within Europe must include measures to improve functionality, durability and efficiency of materials used for construction. New technologies and analytical techniques offer a wide spectrum of opportunities for further improvements. One main obstacle hindering an efficient development of knowledge is the fragmentation of research activities, both on industrial and academic level. Improved coordination of RTD activities and networking between all interest groups therefore offers huge potential to gain speed in the development of fundamental understanding, thus enabling breakthrough innovations. Finally, these developments are needed to maintain and strengthen the competitiveness of European building materials producers and the entire construction sector.


Focus Area: Processes and Information and Communication Technologies More knowledge-based and user/client-oriented processes

Construction sector is driven by total product life cycle performance and is supported by semantic ICT enabling process integration and holistic decision making by all stakeholders. The European construction sector is the global leader in the use of advanced ICT for managing its products and project based processes between knowledge based enterprises.

The challenge for the Focus Area Processes and ICTs is to support:

� value-driven business with new process models and tools for performance management;

� industrialised construction with catalogues of products and services, customer oriented configuration design, distributed production management, logistics and process monitoring;

� specification and design with visualisation and decision support tools, and digital modelling technologies which enable re-use of data by various applications over the product life cycle;

� use, monitoring, operation and maintenance with intelligent embedded systems, user and context aware control, and ambient user interfaces;

� interoperability of various ICT systems and tools via common semantic technologies and standards, application interfaces, and tools for distributed management of information models;

� project collaboration between designers, suppliers, contractors, end-users and other stakeholders;

� knowledge sharing with methods for capturing project experiences and transforming them into sustainable corporate assets;

� new business concepts by showcasing opportunities for new ICT-enabled business models.


44..44 AAddvviissoorryy GGrroouuppss Advisory Groups (AG's) may be set up by the ECTP in order to provide specific strategic advices in well identified fields. They report to the Support Group. The two on-going AG's are presented below.

Advisory Group of Clients and Users The scope of this AG is:

� To secure that users and societies views and needs are reflected in the ECTP � To assist the ECTP in developing a Vision 2030, SRA, JTI and roadmap fo rresearch

and innovation in the construction sector by contributing with user and society viewpoints

� To promote the participation of Clients and Users in FAs, ECTP deliverables, research projects...

� To develop a better framework and networking between users and society and construction sector in general

This AG should include only direct representatives of clients and users. Advisory Group on SMEs The scope of this AG is:

� To really enhance the readiness of the Construction SMEs / SME Groupings to be involved in the ECTP.

� To reinforce the Construction SMEs/SME Groupings involvement in European research and innovation activities: the ECTP, FP7 and CIP, as well as in NTPs and other European and National RTD programmes.

� To promote the participation of Clients and Users in FAs, ECTP deliverables, research projects...

� To better address especially the RTD interests of more traditional SMEs in FP7 in comparison to FP6, as well as in other European and National RTD programmes.

This AG should include only representatives of SMEs / SME Groupings and experts able to contribute to the AG objectives.


44..55 NNaattiioonnaall TTeecchhnnoollooggyy PPllaattffoorrmmss iinn CCoonnssttrruuccttiioonn aanndd tthhee BBuuiilltt EEnnvviirroonnmmeenntt:: EEuurrooppeeaann AAiimmss aanndd SSuuppppoorrtt ffoorr tthhee EECCTTPP

Background

� Many European countries have now established National Technology Platforms (NTP) addressing the future needs of the built environment, and particularly the challenge of innovation and industry transformation in the construction sector. In all cases, these national platforms are being led by industry with the endorsement of their governments. They include many common elements, such as involvement of all stakeholders and the aim of identifying technological, regulatory and financial challenges to improving the performance of the industry in terms of productivity and environmental impact. Some of these platforms may also be established as regional levels (such as in Flanders in Belgium).

� The ECTP recognises the importance of the Platforms and has invited the coordinators of two established National Platforms to coordinate the links with other already established and emerging platforms across Europe.

� A working group (NTPs WG), gathering representatives from all NTPs and the ECTP, insures the continuous link and interaction between NTPS and the ECTP. It meets regularly 2-3 times a year.

� A steering group (NTPs SG), reporting to the Support Group, is in charge of coordinating the activities of the ECTP in that field.

Support Group

NTPs Steering GroupECTP SG Chairman

Secretariat

NTP coordinators

Erabuild coordinator (Eranet)

DG Research (invited)

NTPs WGSteering Group members

NTPs contact persons

European Aims of the NTPs

� To collaborate with the ECTP in developing a European Vision 2030, a Strategic Research Agenda and Roadmaps for research and innovation in the construction sector by contributing with national viewpoints.

� To establish a network for NTPs to collaborate at a European level, creating an opportunity for a wide range of national stakeholders (including industry, national


organisations, SMEs and clients) to learn from each other in areas of best practice, research agendas and national goals.

� To deliver Construction related research priorities to the National Programmes taking into account ECTP priorities supported by NTPs.

� To map national regulations and policies relating to construction and identify barriers to innovation in the sector that can be addressed at a European level.

� To disseminate knowledge on innovation processes by exchanging national experiences of best practice.

� To establish communication links between other trans-national research activities (such as ERABUILD and other possible collaborative programmes) and the ECTP.

� To support the involvement of National stakeholders in the Eureka Umbrella on Construction: EurekaBuild.

� To develop a framework for future networking of construction research infrastructure across the EU member states.

Statement of Support to the ECTP

� The NTPs promote the work of the ECTP in the national context, stimulating organisations to participate in Focus Areas and disseminating information to appropriate national organisations, such as the national bodies in charge of R&D in Construction.

� The NTPs take an active role in identifying and ‘growing’ potential new Focus Areas, as new priorities emerge.

44..66 PPlleennaarryy AAsssseemmbbllyy All European stakeholders who are interested to join the ECTP can become members of this Platform through participating to the activities of Focus Areas and Advisory Groups. They constitute all together the Plenary Assembly of the ECTP. They have access to the relevant working papers through the collaborative work space and information e-mails, and they should contribute to the deliverables of the ECTP through the Focus Areas. An annual meeting/conference is organised that all members of ECTP are invited to attend.

44..77 SSeeccrreettaarriiaatt A Secretariat provides scientific, technical and administrative support to the ECTP. The Secretariat works under the directives of the Chairman of the SG and reports to him on a regular basis.


Main Tasks The tasks of the Secretariat includes mainly: � HLG, SG, NTPs SG and WG meetings: announcements, preparation, minutes (distributed

as soon as possible within one month after the meetings), etc. � Assistance to the chairmen of HLG, SG and NTPs SG in preparing documents, etc. � Editing of documents. � Management of the Web-site and Collaborative Work Space, which are regularly updated. � Dissemination activities.

44..88 MMeetthhoodd ooff WWoorrkkiinngg

GGeenneerraall IIssssuueess a) The ECTP operates using the five principles of good governance (see

http://europa.eu.int/comm/governance):

� Openness: The ECTP will be open to any interested organisation, the only requirement being active participation in the FA’s of interest.

� Participation: As above all organisations wishing to be associated with the ECTP

must participate actively in the FA’s of its interest.

� Accountability: Roles and responsibilities of any organisation in the ECTP must be clearly defined.

� Effectiveness: Clear objectives for the ECTP, and the criteria related with the

impact of the different activities will be established.

� Coherence: Actions and initiatives must be aligned with, and cascade from, the Vision 2030 and the objectives of the Strategic Research Agenda.

The application of these principles reinforces the criteria of proportionality and subsidiarity. This means that the actions are of such a degree of intensity according to the objectives. b) The ECTP develops the Vision 2030, the Strategic Research Agenda and Implementation

documents. Additional documents, as position papers, reports, etc., are developed and communicated to the European Commission, the Member States and all other stakeholders. Public dissemination is made using a number of different routes e.g. papers and specialised publications, conferences and a dedicated website.


c) The mechanism for new members to accede to the Platform is through the (existing or new) Focus Areas. The entry is completely open to any organisation having the intention of making active and effective contributions.

d) A website is maintained to allow a better communication both inside the ECTP

(collaborative work space between different groups, focus areas and national platforms), and externally, to be used for other relationships and for dissemination of the ECTP activity (public website: www.ectp.org).

HHiigghh LLeevveell GGrroouupp ((HHLLGG)) The HLG adopts its decisions by a majority of at least 2/3 of the attending members, after considering the proposals that the Support Group suggests. These decisions are mandatory to the Support Group, which adopts the necessary measures in order to apply the directives of the HLG.

SSuuppppoorrtt GGrroouupp ((SSGG)) a) The SG adopts its decisions by a majority of at least 2/3 of the attending members, after

considering the proposals that any of the members could suggest. These decisions are mandatory to the rest of the Platform, with the exception of the HLG. The members of the Platform adopts the necessary measures in order to apply the directives of the SG.

b) A quorum of at least 2/3 of the normal composition has to be established in order to

assure adequate representation. c) The composition of the SG is continuously adjusted to maintain its efficiency and

European dimension. Passive members are removed after an inactive period of 6 months, upon decision of the SG.

d) Working Groups (WG's) are established for specific tasks. They report to the SG

Chairman. For instance, previous WG's were: � A WG on ToR and Vision/SRA which has coordinated the elaboration of these ECTP

deliverables. � A Drafting Panel for selecting priorities from the SRA.

e) Appropriate links are established with other Technology Platforms, with research

projects and networks, and with organisations, either at SG level or at Focus Area levels. FFooccuuss AArreeaass aanndd AAddvviissoorryy GGrroouuppss a) Each Focus Area or Advisory Group defines its organisation in the same general way as it

follows:


� Focus Area (FA) or Advisory Group (AG) Leader(s): they are members of the Support Group and act as the contacts between both levels.

� Working Groups of an FA: they gather stakeholders around a specific domain.

� General Membership of an FA: any European interested organization having a

significant research activity in the field of the FA can be a member of this FA. All organisations interested in participating within a Working Group do so through the FA. Rights and commitments include: to receive FA documents and to give opinions, articles and news to be included in Focus Area documents; to participate in FA meetings and activities; to appoint a representative member and a substitute member in the FA; to collaborate with the activities of the FA; a requirement to withdraw if no effective participation takes place over a six month period. The composition of an FA could be as follows:

General Membership of a Focus Area Clients and users, including non governmental organisations

Industrial organisations, Materials and Equipment manufacturers Contractors Design and Engineering firms Service and Technology Providers

Private and public research institutions and Universities

Government bodies

Financial institutions � General Membership of an AG: the membership of an AG is restricted to European

interested organizations having a clear interest or expertise in the field of the AG, upon decision of the Support Group.

b) New FA's and AG's can be established, after SG approval (provided an industrial

leadership and a critical mass of interest in case of an FA). c) Any organisation that wishes to join an FA or an AG will have to do so in writing, with

the nomination of a liaison person, and with the express commitment to participate in the activities, including a clause to support the level of dissemination of the information received according to the rules established in the group.

NNaattiioonnaall TTeecchhnnoollooggyy PPllaattffoorrmmss ((NNTTPP''ss)) The NTPs organise their structure and activities freely, with the objective to meet the European and National aims and to support the ECTP as mentioned in section 4.5. The NTPs SG plays a major role in helping NTPs to reach this objective.


44..99 CCoossttss aanndd ffuunnddiinngg

GGeenneerraall IIssssuueess

a) Basically each participant covers its own costs.

b) The Platform will mobilize public and private funds to support the expenses needed to achieve the common activities of the group, in particular to cover travel expenses, preparation of deliverables, coordination tasks and funding of the Secretariat.

c) All the R&D initiatives mentioned below are expected to contribute to supporting the

ECTP by integrating tasks directly carried out in the framework of the Platform (including coordination and secretariat costs).

d) A system of fees may be set up if needed to support the Platform activities.

RReesseeaarrcchh IInniittiiaattiivveess

a) Any R&D initiative under the umbrella of the ECTP will use public private partnership as a

general rule for financing its expenses. b) A mix of National and European, public and private, research funds will be called by the

members to support research initiatives in line with the SRA and Priorities of the Platform. Proposals may be submitted to the relevant National and European calls of proposals with the collaboration of the members of ECTP and National Platforms.

c) Such major R&D projects will contribute to the ECTP through sharing certain results from

their research, demonstration, innovation and training related activities. Agreements to this effect have been or will be set-up with their Coordinators.


55.. IImmpplleemmeennttaattiioonn PPllaann

March 2005 Endorsement of the Vision 2030 by HLG

October 2005 First Plenary Assembly / Conference

November 2005 Endorsement of the Strategic Research Agenda by HLG Draft proposals of JTIs

June 2006 Launch of the Eureka Umbrella: EurekaBuild

September 2006

Endorsement of R&D Priorities and Roadmaps by HLG

November 2006 Second Plenary Assembly / Conference

Starting June 2006

Promotion of R&D proposals

2007… Follow-up of R&D projects and updating of SRA/Priorities


AAPPPPEENNDDIIXX:: OOrrggaanniissaattiioonnss iinnvvoollvveedd High Level Group Chairman: Bouygues The sector representatives include:

� Construction companies: Acciona, BesixGroup, Bouygues, Dragados, FCC, Hochtief, NCC, Royal BAM Group, Soletanche Bachy, Taylor Woodrow, Vinci, Züblin

� Suppliers : Consolis, Corus, Herrenknecht, Lafarge, Oy Lohja Rudus, Saint-Gobain � Designers: Arup, Arcadis, Scetauroute/EGIS, Ian Ritchie Architects � Operators: Autostrade per l'Italia, Banverket � Financial Organization: European Investment Bank � Research organizations: BAM, CSTB, Czech Technical University,TNO, University of

Salford, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, VTT, ZAG � Clients: Bygherreforeningen, Electricité de France, GIE Environnement et Habitat,

Rijksgebouwendienst, GERG � Users: AGE, Eurocities, European Disability Forum

Support Group Chairman: Dragados The sector representatives include:

� Construction companies: Acciona, Bouygues, Dragados, FCC, Hochtief, NCC, Soletanche Bachy, Vinci, Züblin

� Suppliers : Corus, Electricité de France, Heidelberg, Saint-Gobain � Designers: Arup, Evata � Operators: Autostrade per l'Italia � Research organizations: CSTB, BBRI, DWW, GI ZRMK, Labein, SBi, UNIVPM, VTT � End-users/clients: ASM, Eurocities, European Disability Forum, GeoDelft � Link with Erabuild (Tekes) � Link with ECCREDI (S&A)

Appropriate links are being established with other European Technology Platforms, with research projects and networks, and with organisations, either at SG level or at FA level:

� ETPs: ERTRAC, ERRAC, Steel, Forestry, Manufuture, Industrial Safety, Water supply, PV, Sustainable Chemistry…

� Integrated Projects: TunConstruct, ManuBuild, I-stone, Inpro, I3Con, I-SSB… � Networks: Erabuild, Geotechnet… � Organisations: ECCREDI, ENCORD, ENBRI, FEHRL, ELGIP, CIB, RILEM, ACE, FIEC,

CEPMC… � Associations: E-samco…


Focus Areas Cities and Buildings

Leaders Working Groups (leaders)

WG 1: Urban Issues (ACE) WG 2: Buildings (Acciona) WG 3: Energy (CSTB, Electricité de France)

Acciona Saint-Gobain

WG 4: Materials, Equipment and Services (Saint-Gobain)

Underground Construction

Leaders Working Groups (Leaders)

WG 1: Life Cycle Oriented Design and Numerical Simulation and Prediction (TUG, STUVA) WG 2: Materials (IETcc) WG 3: Equipment and Machinery (Herrenknecht, Soletanche Bachy) WG 4: User friendliness, Safety& Security, Environmental Impact & Social Issues (Amberg, FCC) WG 5: Monitoring and transparent ground. (Bouygues TP, GEOCISA)

BOUYGUES Zueblin

WG 6: Management, Maintenance & Repair (Acciona, Dragados)


Networks


WG 1: Roads & highways (Autostrade per l’Italia, CEDR) WG 2: Railways (Banverket) WG 3: Gas (GERG, Gaz de France) WG 4: Inland waterways (Rijkswaterstaat, GeoDelft)

Autostrade per l’Italia DWW

WG 5: Water and sewerage (UKWIR)

Cultural Heritage


WG 1: Assessment, Monitoring & Diagnosis (BAM, Monumentenwacht, KU Lueven)

HI1 1: Knowledge supporting Education & Training and Ethics (University of Zagreb)

WG 2: Materials (TNO, NTUA TCG)

HI 2: Technical Standards & Specif. (University of San Sebastian)

WG 3: Intervention Techniques (University of Padova, Mostostal)

HI 3: Preservation of Artworks (SARL Arcanes)

WG 4: Environment & Energy (ISAC CNR)

HI 4: Socio-economic Aspects (CARTIF)

WG 5: Management, Exploitation & Maintenance (LABEIN)

HI 5: Disaster Prevention and Risk Management (Historic Scotland)

GI ZRMK VINCI

1Horizontal Issue

WG 6: City & Land Aspects (ITAM, LEMA Univ. of Liège, Univ. of Roma La Sapienza)

HI 6: Communication and Dissemination (FUTUREtec)


Quality of life


WG 1: Reducing Environmental Impact (LABEIN, FCC) WG 2: Mitigating natural and man-made hazards (ELGIP, HOCHTIEF) WG 3: Improving the built environment for people (TNO Bouw , IBV)

Soletanche Bachy Hochtief

WG 4: More attractive workplaces (Processus&Innovation, FIEC)

Materials


WG 1: Cementitious (HeidelbergCement, Holcim) WG 2: Ceramics (Keraben, ITC) WG 3: Composites (Advanced Composite Group, Acciona)

HeidelbergCement UNIPVM

Contacts with other ETPs � Steel (Rautaruukki Oy) � Forestry (Swedish Forests Industry

Federation)


Processes and Information and Communication Technologies


WG 1: Processes (SBi) WG 2: Products (VTT) WG 3: Projects (TNO)

ARUP VTT

Core Group: Acciona, ARUP, CSTB, SBi, TNO, VTT

WG 4: Entreprises (Acciona)

Advisory Groups

Clients and Users

Leaders No Working Group

Eurocities SBi

SMEs

Leaders No Working Group

Labein BBRI

National Technology Platforms (NTP’s) Steering Group membership:

� Support Group Chairman and Secretary � NTPs Coordinators: ASM, GeoDelft � Erabuild Coordinator: Tekes � DG Research.

Working Group membership:

� NTPs Steering Group members � Representatives from the NTPs.

More than 20 NTP's are today under operation across Europe: Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Lithuania, Netherlands (the), Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK… Secretariat The Secretariat of the ECTP is held by CSTB.

e construction technology platform ectp · the european construction technology platform (ectp) is...

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