Due to its huge volumes, the real estate and construction sector is at the center of various resource efficiency reviews. The energy efficiency of construction has been tightened at a rapid pace on the way to almost zero-energy construction. In terms of material efficiency, construction waste and its utilization are affected by the waste directive issued by the European Union in 2008, which obliges member states to improve waste recycling. Having given new goals, when the commission publishes its favorite child's new circular economy action program at the beginning of December.
Regarding construction and demolition waste, the goal is that in 2020, 70 percent of it will be used for purposes other than energy and fuel. The Waste Act of 2012 and the decrees based on it also contain significant strictures for the sorting and recycling of construction waste. A national waste plan for the years 2017–2022 is currently being prepared. Construction and demolition waste is one of the focus areas.
The waste streams of repair construction and demolition are more significant than those of new construction, the waste of which is also known in composition and "clean". In connection with the challenging repair and demolition works, materials dating back decades are handled, which may have later been classified as harmful and problematic, also due to contamination, i.e. spoilage, caused by the use of the building. The waste streams of new construction and, on the other hand, repair and demolition, especially in terms of setting utilization goals, should be treated separately in the national waste plan, as Rakennusteollisuus RT has presented in different contexts.
Under the yoke of tightening EU guidance, member states should have national room for maneuver. For example, the interpretation of the waste classification must not prevent the utilization of waste whose utilization does not cause significant harm in terms of the environment or health and whose utilization is justified and reasonable, taking into account the economic and overall environmental effects. It would be completely incomprehensible if efforts were made to limit the use of mineral-based materials, which are classified as waste but have been used for a long time, on vague grounds and at the same time undermine the grounds of already existing operating models. Maneuvering space is also needed with regard to individual waste fractions and goals, because it is not possible to sensibly utilize everything. This has been found in connection with repair and demolition construction, and especially with regard to wood waste.
Laws and regulations pose challenges to operators in the real estate and construction sector, but on the other hand, they also create new business opportunities for the utilization of waste. Various steering actions should be planned and obstacles should be removed in cooperation between different stakeholders, while being aware of the importance of market orientation and voluntariness. There are already working procedures and markets for many construction wastes, and they should be strengthened and further improved by all means, as a model for others. Construction waste, as a valuable raw material for the circular economy, is also part of our national wealth and worthy of joint protection. You shouldn't bury yourself in your own bunkers - we in Finland simply can't afford that.
Pekka Vuorinen
Environment and Energy Director
Confederation of Finnish Construction Industries (CFCI)
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