Circular economy in the construction industry

November 2024

The construction industry is faced with the urgent task of conserving natural resources and minimising emissions. The 2024 autumn event provided valuable insights into the practical implementation of sustainability strategies.

Decarbonising industrial processes is a key approach to reducing CO₂ emissions. An industry roadmap presented here serves as a guide for companies to identify and implement suitable measures.

Optimisation of concrete as a building material
The sustainable use of concrete requires optimisation of its properties and targeted use in line with its performance. At the end of a building’s service life, options such as renovation, refurbishment, demolition with reuse of components or recycling must be carefully considered.

Pollutant management in the circular economy
Effective pollutant management is essential for a sustainable circular economy. This includes both the client’s disposal concept during dismantling planning and the separation of materials and pollutants during material treatment.

Dealing with PFAS
Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl compounds (PFAS) are a particular challenge due to their longevity and ubiquity. The event shed light on the possibilities and limitations of dealing with this group of substances.

Innovative decarbonisation projects
One highlight was the presentation of the world’s largest electric melting furnace for rock wool. This project shows how decarbonisation is implemented in practice and the potential that lies in the production of stone wool. The 2024 autumn event underlined the importance of a sustainable circular economy and offered practical solutions for the construction industry.

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