Transforming university makerspaces into circular ecosystems: waste valorization and the EOL framework as catalysts for a green engineering culture

Abstract

This paper entitled “Transforming university makerspaces into circular ecosystems: waste valorization and the EOL framework as catalysts for a green engineering culture” provides an overview of waste management in university innovation spaces, addressing aspects related to polymer, metal, wood and electronic component scraps.

First, the author emphasizes the importance of the End-of-Life Products (EOL) framework as a set of principles for maximizing material value, as a basis for transforming makerspaces into circular ecosystems.

One of the central aspects of the work is the development of a methodological framework based on material flow analysis (MFA) and case studies in universities in the United States and Colombia, demonstrating that the implementation of segregation and reuse protocols reduces waste sent to final disposal by more than 40%. This enables applications such as partnerships with specialized recycling organizations and material reuse across projects.

Additionally, curricular modules are presented demonstrating their effectiveness in changing students' attitudes and behaviors toward waste generation.

Finally, the study discusses challenges related to the replicability of the model in different university contexts, including factors that require local adaptation, and highlights the importance of these spaces as living sustainability laboratories to promote a green engineering culture among future professionals.