SURLEV has developed a method to lift existing sloped roofs instead of demolishing them to create new space without additional footprint. In many places in Europe, nearly 90% of the roofs are sloped, so a lot of vertical building extension is already being done. Until now such operations demolished the existing roofs to rebuild them afterwards, generating large amounts of waste. SURLEV’s roof lifting system pushes the roof upward without touching it, reducing the cost related to demolishing, disposing and rebuilding the roof by 50% at nearly zero carbon footprint

By fully conserving the roofs, while generating new usable space, SURLEV effectively contributes to innovations related to the reuse, renovation and retrofitting of existing buildings, driving forward the circular transition of the built environment in cities and regions throughout Europe. Moreover, because it allows the roof to be conserved, SURLEV also contributes to European material reuse strategies. In the near future its priority will also be to promote the use of second hand/reuse materials or circular construction systems, as a complement to its procedure.

CircularInvest was of key importance to SURLEV, providing local assistance, and partnerships in order to go rapidly through the market demonstration phase. The experience helped SURLEV to focus in the most important steps it needed to make to become investment-ready, while embracing a European and International perspective. CircularInvest’s advice has also enabled the organisation to start doing demonstrator projects for which it has pre-signed LOI’s.

SURLEV’s recommendations for other circular projects that want to scale up is to apply for the mentorship program of CircularInvest, engage with peers in circular projects, connect to other start ups with similar objectives, generate strong local relationships, and get advice from open-minded, seasoned businessmen with investing experience.