Materials and circularity
Sustainable use of raw and recyclable materials in the construction industry
The construction industry is one of the most resource-intensive sectors in the world. Economic growth, the global rise in population, and the necessary measures for climate change adaptation are driving demand for the construction and maintenance of buildings and infrastructure. In order to conserve resources and reduce waste, there is an urgent need to transform the construction industry into a circular economy. This is also a high priority in the agendas of the European Union and is reflected, for example, in the European Green Deal, the EU Taxonomy and the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation. In a circular economy, the life cycle of materials and products is maximized, waste is avoided, products are reused and materials are recycled.
Besides our high raw material demand, the volume of waste we generate and the pollutants contained within that waste also impact the environment in a variety of ways. Intensifying our measures to avoid waste and utilising high-quality recycled waste materials is therefore a crucial element of our waste management strategy. The largest waste streams in the Group result from mineral waste generated during construction and demolition works. Other production- and site-related waste as well as non-mineral waste from construction and demolition play a subordinate role. The total amount of waste depends on the size and type of construction project (e.g. buildings, transportation infrastructure, dismantling work, excavations, recycling activities) and on quality specifications.
STRABAG’s aim is to reduce the environmental impact associated with resource consumption and waste streams and to promote a resource-efficient circular economy. To become climate neutral along the entire value chain by 2040, the responsible use of raw materials and the use of innovative, CO2e-optimised materials will play a central role.
Projects and initiatives for the efficient use of resources
We want to utilise our resources as efficiently as possible through the establishment of a circular economy. As raw materials are a finite resource, it is particularly important in the construction sector to focus increasingly on using secondary raw materials to the extent that they are available. In this context, STRABAG is pursuing various approaches based on the EU waste hierarchy. Where possible, our goal is to give preference to quality treatment solutions such as preparation for reuse and recycling over other methods of recovery such as downcycling. We also ensure that any third parties we work with in our waste management are certified in accordance with the respective national standards.
We strive to consider the entire life cycle of a building in the design phase, including the costs of dismantling, disposal and recycling. Performing a life cycle assessment of a construction project during the design phase enables us to identify and exploit further potential for reducing raw material use and minimising negative impacts on the environment.
Further projects
Click here for an insight into STRABAG’s projects related to materials and circularity
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