15.06.2023

MIT Recognizes Catherine De Wolf as a Leading Innovator

Catherine De Wolf, assistant professor at the Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering (D-BAUG), has been named one of MIT Technology Review's "Innovators Under 35." This prestigious recognition celebrates her groundbreaking work in leveraging digital technology, including AI algorithms, to drive the built environment towards a circular economy.

With over a decade of experience in the construction industry, Catherine De Wolf has dedicated her efforts to revolutionizing material cycles. Her goal is to transform the linear take-make-waste approach to construction into a circular model that minimizes waste and maximizes resource efficiency. Through her groundbreaking initiatives, such as the Database of Embodied Quantity Outputs (DEQO), she has been able to track material stocks and analyze the environmental impacts of numerous buildings worldwide. Additionally, she co-founded the DiCE lab, a knowledge-sharing network platform that connects stakeholders in the digital circular economy.

MIT Technology Review emphasizes Catherine De Wolf's achievement by stating, "She has pioneered a circular construction digital ecosystem that facilitates the connection between individuals, projects, and products, promoting the reuse of building materials."

Catherine De Wolf's inclusion in MIT's "Innovators Under 35" list showcases her dedication to driving sustainable change within the construction industry. Her innovative use of digital tools and commitment to fostering a circular economy are poised to shape the future of the built environment.