We are searching for topics and funders for the next Longitude Prize. This idea is a draft for discussion about one possible prize focus that we are exploring.
What is the problem? The construction industry is the largest contributor to global landfill waste. Traditional demolition crushes valuable high-energy materials like steel and timber into mixed-rubble slurry that is nearly impossible to recycle, effectively burying frozen carbon because we lack the robotic dexterity and visual intelligence to take buildings apart as carefully as we put them together. Why does the solution contribute to solving this? By turning old buildings into high-purity material mines, this solution lowers the cost of raw materials for new projects and eliminates the carbon emissions associated with extracting and processing virgin steel and timber, incentivising a truly circular economy. Who is the prize awarded to? Awarded to the team that develops an autonomous deconstruction system capable of un-building structures without cross-contamination, distinguishing and separately extracting structural materials including timber, steel, and copper, ensuring outputs are ready for immediate re-entry into the supply chain. Check out the other ideas
The best prize ideas are developed through extensive research and engagement with experts, stakeholders and people with lived experience of the problems they are focused on. We start with a first draft like the one above – then work to improve, refine and validate our thinking. If you are interested in sharing your expertise, or helping us secure funding for the next Longitude Prize, please reach out.