Introducing a Novel Concept for an Integrated Demolition Waste Recycling Center and the Establishment of a Stakeholder Network: A Case Study from Germany

Magdalena Zabek (), Pauline Jegen and Lillith Kreiss
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Magdalena Zabek: Department of Architectural Engineering and Technology, Delft University of Technology, 2628 BL Delft, The Netherlands
Pauline Jegen: Resource and Energy Systems, TU Dortmund University, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
Lillith Kreiss: Baukultur Nordrhein-Westfalen e. V., 45886 Gelsenkirchen, Germany

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 10, 1-15

Abstract: Using recycled aggregates has many positive environmental impacts because of the conservation of natural resources and minimization of waste. The use of recycled aggregates in downcycling processes is already common in Germany, whereas utilizing them to produce high-quality recycled concrete is rarely applied in practice. The reasons behind this lag have been investigated based on surveys and interviews with stakeholders. Miscommunication and missing information were identified in all stakeholder groups. Therefore, establishing a robust network and facilitating knowledge transfer by specifying the demand for recycled aggregates in the case study region have been considered as prerequisites. Therefore, the paper presents a novel concept of a stakeholder network for an integrated construction and demolition waste center. The conceptualization integrates the recycling companies and construction product manufacturers in one venue with research, service, and educational divisions. The design of the facilities is based on calculations regarding future construction activities and the demand for concrete production. The proposed concept aims to supply the region in the west of Germany with high-quality recycled products while also establishing a robust network that offers benefits in terms of logistical optimization and knowledge transfer.

Keywords: circular economy; recycling system; construction and demolition waste; recycled aggregates; recycled concrete (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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