New Building Materials
During the last couple of years architects, engineers and the the building industry as a whole strives to take care of the environment and the climate. New building materials has been invented such as CLT wooden constructions and an effort is done to invent more sustainable concrete. In Denmark several projects, schools for examples are restored and rebuilt by reusing old bricks and roof tiles.
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Recycled Building Materials in New Construction: A Circular Approach to Sustainable Development
Recycled biobased building materials, such as used doors, plastic, bricks, and shipping containers, are increasingly being used in new construction with a focus on both aesthetics and functionality as part of the growing movement towards a circular economy. This practice not only reduces costs but is also far more energy-efficient than traditional methods, where materials often end up in landfills. Additionally, waste materials such as grass from mowed football fields and old natural building materials like rammed earth, hemp, and eelgrass are utilized for insulation, further contributing to sustainability in the construction process.
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Concrete, the most widely used building material, is also undergoing a sustainable transformation. In Switzerland, the concrete industry and researchers have focused on the development of recycled concrete for the past 30 years, produced by reusing demolished structures and waste from concrete production. An example of this approach is seen in the plans to expand Kunsthaus Zürich with 98% recycled concrete, demonstrating an ambitious approach to sustainable construction. Furthermore, efforts are being made to improve the sustainability of concrete by replacing cement clinker with various additives with binding properties, such as burnt oil shale, which will have a significant positive impact on reducing CO2 emissions from concrete production.
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The cement industry and construction sector are undergoing a green transition.
Internationally, the cement industry and researchers in Denmark and globally are working intensively to reduce CO2 emissions, as the construction sector alone produces around ½ ton of concrete per person annually. In an efficient collaboration, you will hear about how various professionals view good cooperation.
Learn from past cases with recycled concrete in Switzerland, Norway, and Denmark, and contact us to learn more about tailored programs that can help you implement recycled concrete in your circular transition.
