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(AAM) is copyrighted and published by Elsevier. It is posted here by agreement between Elsevier and the University of Turin. Changes resulting from the publishing process-such as editing, corrections, structural formatting, and other quality control mechanisms-may not be reflected in this version of the text. The definitive version of the text was subsequently published in ENERGY AND BUILDINGS,

The textile system is one of the most influential production activities at a global level from an environmental point of view, both in relation to the processes that characterize the supply chain and in relation to pre and post-consumer waste. It produces million tons of global greenhouse gas emissions per year and it consumes millions of litres of water; it uses million tons of chemical products. Furthermore, millions of tons of special textile wastes are yearly landfilled in upstream process as well as in downstream process. Less of 1% of materials used to produce clothes becomes part of a closed-loop recycling and less of 2% are recycled in other industrial activities. Changing the textile industrial linear model in a circular one according to Systemic Design principles is advisable, starting from wastes and by-products. As proved in the working paper wastes, due to their properties, can assumed as inputs of new production systems. Particularly the scientific contribution deals with some research activities carried out within a project titled EDILTEX - Innovation for reusing in textile companies. The achievements are described, showing that construction and fashion are fields only apparently far from each other. They can - on the contrary - developing powerful synergies and products with interesting technological and physical performances.

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The transition to a circular economy shifts the focus onto reusing, renewing and recycling existing materials and products, considering waste as a resource. In this context, this article aims to describe the life cycle approach’s potential for the development of new building products from textile waste, one of the most environmentally impacting activities at a global level, both in relation to the processes that characterise the supply chain and in relation to pre- and post-consumption waste. This article outlines the research methodology adopted by the cluster “From textile waste to resource” of the Department of Architecture and Design, Politecnico di Torino, through the description of research projects carried out in partnership with Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). In particular, it highlights the methodological approach adopted in a “grave to cradle” logic, in which the waste from one process becomes a new resource for another. This article highlights some open issues related to the limits and potential of the use of the life cycle approach as a “tool” to compare different options in a preliminary experimental research phase, to verify the environmental impacts of new materials and products made from recycled materials, and to compare new options with similar solutions available on the market.

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<p>The targets set out by European Directives concerning the energy savings in the construction sector refer both to building envelope and to its services. With regard to building services it is mandatory meeting requirements related to heating, cooling, lighting and ventilation.</p><p>Building services take up a variable space in the buildings that cannot be considered anymore negligible and they would always be fully integrated into buildings.</p><p>Equipped and Eco-efficient Technological Module (MOTE2) is a research project aimed at implementing the integration in a unique services cupboard of some building services: heating and cooling; domestic hot water; mechanical ventilation.</p><p>The project was organized according to four main phases. In phase 1 a set of rules was defined matching requirements related to the energy efficiency to environmental building design standards. During the phase 2 six building models were studied in order to size the corresponding building services according to scenario analysis set down for existing buildings. In phase 3 the project was focused on designing the assembly among services.</p><p>The cupboard design is like a Tetris® game through the planning of the best combination among services shape. Based on the drawings developed a first mock-up was built up and monitored. Finally, in phase 4 the paper deals with the MOTE2’s expected performances.</p><p>Outlook and some conclusions point out the future steps of the research activities.</p>