Energy- and resource-efficient recycling of building materials

The construction industry creates valuable living space and is an important economic driver. At the same time, however, it is also one of the largest consumers of resources and producers of waste. About half of all raw materials in the world flow into the construction industry. Accordingly, construction debris and other construction waste account for a very large share of the waste generated. In first place is mineral construction waste. According to the Federal Statistical Office, a total of 210 million tons of construction and demolition waste including excavated soil was generated in Germany in 2014. This is over 52% of the total waste generated in Germany. The goal of a sustainable circular economy must be to reduce the amount and to supply the materials to a meaningful recycling.

To this end, a rethink must take place in the entire construction : A building that is ready for demolition must not be seen as a waste product, but as a valuable source of resources. In order to implement the goals of climate and resource protection in the construction industry as well, more pollutant-free construction products must be used in the future, scarce resources must be used more efficiently, and a sustainable circular economy must be established.

Rethinking the construction industry

In the cross-cluster project "Circular economy in the construction industry," experts from the construction industry, the materials sector, energy technology, and the environmental industry are working together. The exchange and networking of different industries should lead to innovative and sustainable solutions. The aim of the project, which is funded by the Bavarian State Ministry of Economic Affairs, Energy and Technology, is to establish energy- and resource-efficient solutions for the disposal and recycling of mineral construction waste in Bavaria.

Project goals:

Identify needs of construction material producers, construction companies and disposal companies
Develop recycling approaches and potentials for companies
Constraints, Identify challenges and development needs
Network cluster members from business and science

The collaboration of the three clusters Environmental Technology, Energy Technology and New Materials brings together partners along the entire material cycle and from different areas of the value chain.