Climate protection potential through building material recycling in Hesse

The construction sector is one of the most emission-intensive sectors of the economy and at the same time has considerable, as yet underutilized, climate protection potential. Every year, large quantities of mineral construction waste are produced that could be used as secondary raw materials for new construction projects. Instead, it is often only recycled to an inferior standard or sent to landfill. The reasons for this include structural obstacles, a lack of economic incentives and uncertainties regarding quality assurance and legal approval.

Against this background, ifeu and IKEM are investigating the climate protection potential of building material recycling in Hesse as part of the project and identifying measures to successfully exploit it. IKEM will first record the existing and planned legal requirements for climate neutrality in the construction sector. Based on an analysis of the status quo, the legal framework conditions are examined in an obstacle analysis and the need for adaptation is identified in order to specifically promote the use of recycled building materials.