Construction industry in a waste dilemma
The construction industry produces large amounts of waste, yet only 10% of buildings are designed for deconstruction. EPEA's material statements are crucial for the circular economy and provide information on CO2 footprint and recyclability. Recyclable building materials are essential to conserve resources. The introduction of a digital material ID card to the industry will be revolutionary. Target quotas, similar to the energy certificate, are needed to promote the raw material turnaround and circular economy and to solve ecological problems.
By 2050, about 4 billion tons of waste are expected, mainly from industrialized countries, according to World Bank forecasts. The construction industry contributes significantly by wasting valuable materials such as concrete, gypsum and gravel during remodeling and demolition work. A true circular economy is urgently needed, but currently only a small proportion of buildings are designed for deconstruction.
Material passports for buildings, such as those being developed by EPEA, are indispensable. A digital building material passport will be as significant in the construction industry as the energy passport was 20 years ago. Target quotas are necessary to accelerate the raw material turnaround, and material passports are an important tool to promote a sustainable construction industry.
- Massive waste forecasts: by 2050, the World Bank forecasts 4 billion tons of waste, mostly from industrialized countries, with the construction industry producing most of the waste.
- There is a lack of deconstruction concepts: currently, a small percentage of buildings are planned for deconstruction, which hinders the seamless recycling of valuable materials.
- Promoting resource efficiency: Material passports provide a transparent view of material composition and help reduce CO2 emissions and the consumption of primary resources.
- Within the framework of the legal requirements, the introduction of a digital material certificate will revolutionize the construction industry in a similar way as the introduction of the energy certificate 20 years ago. Clear target quotas and harmonized models are required for this.
Our report provides possible solutions. Download now!