Impact of the Circular Economy on Demolition Industry

24/06/2024

At the European Demolition Association, EDA, we foresaw the rise of the circular economy and the accompanying legislation at national and member state levels. This prediction has now become a reality.

The circular economy is enhancing the relevance of our industry, particularly in demolition, decontamination, and recycling (DDR) activities, by creating new business opportunities. However, it also presents challenges.

The movement began in the UK, with calls from green organizations, media, the public, and legislators to ban demolition and favor retrofitting existing buildings. This trend is now spreading across mainland Europe, posing significant challenges for our industry.

While we support a greener future, resource efficiency, and product reuse, these goals must be pursued logically, practically, and economically. Many of the calls for change come from well-meaning individuals outside the construction industry, who may not fully grasp the practical implications, or from interested parties looking to benefit from recycled materials.

In response, we are developing a long-term strategy. At our recent convention in Belgrade, we emphasized the need to position our industry as part of the solution, not the problem.

We have identified an opportunity through the United Nations’ “Urban Regeneration” initiative, led by the Habitat Directorate. This initiative focuses on improving urban spaces and reshaping communities by adapting the built environment.

Our goal is to ensure that the demolition sector contributes positively to the circular economy and urban regeneration efforts, aligning with environmental objectives while maintaining practical and economically viable practices. We believe that by working together, we can secure a sustainable future for our industry and the communities we serve.

Links:

Urban Regeneration iniciative
Urban Regeneration paper