Challenges

Local reuse of (construction) materials – Closed



The demand for raw materials has increased tremendously over the past 100 years: the global population now uses 34 times more material resources, 27 times more minerals, 12 times more fossil fuels, and 3.6 times more biomass. This practice is not sustainable. By designing products more intelligently, extending their lifetime and reusing components, a circular economy that contributes significantly to future-proofing the Dutch economy can be created.

There is much to be done in Amsterdam as well. Approximately 40% of the raw material supply chains in Amsterdam are related to construction and demolition. In 2015, parties in the construction chain signed a national green deal with the City to make this chain circular. A green deal indicates that the partners have agreed to undertake demolition, renovation and construction projects in which reclaimed construction materials are reused locally (also see www.cirkelstad.nl).

In order to reuse reclaimed materials, demand and supply must be clearly defined in terms of space, time, quantity and quality.

The issue:
Offer us a solution, tool or system to facilitate the local reuse of reclaimed (construction) materials, monitor the resulting process, and, as a possible result, create new jobs.

Specific criteria that the startup should take into account in devising its bid:

  • Draw up and explain a potential business case. Consider different revenue models (e.g. consider offering the product as a service and/or check the options for the journey from ownership to (re)use);
  • Ensure that the value of the (construction) materials is preserved as best as possible. For example, investigate whether construction materials and products should be differentiated (e.g. reclaimed wood versus a reclaimed kitchen sink);
  • Work with municipal employees and chain partners of, for example, Green Deal Cirkelstad and knowledge institutes (HvA, UvA, etc.);
  • Demonstrate the positive impact of reusing (construction) materials. In private dwellings for example, the positive impact of energy-saving measures is clear: a lower utilities bill;
  • Monitor and explain the roles of the collaborating partners in the chain.

Issued by: Ruimte en Duurzaamheid