Policies as drivers for circular economy in the construction sector in the nordics

A circular economy (CE) represents the key alternative to the linear ‘take-make-consume-dispose’ economic model, that still predominates in the construction sector. This study investigates how policies support CE-focused businesses in the construction sector in the Nordics. A literature review, the creation of a database, a review of Nordic actors with a CE focus, and targeted interviews with actors across the value chain of the construction sector in Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden enabled us to benchmark the CE policy landscape and assess how CE policies at different levels support CE business models in the construction sector. The results show that the construction sector is well represented in the CE policy frameworks and that many business opportunities are created when national and local policies are put into practice. The implementation of policies is mainly done via three key concepts, i.e., planning, requirements for sustainable constructions, and requirements for public procurement. It can be concluded that policies are drivers for the implementation of a CE and support CE business models in the Nordics

ENCORT-CDW - Evaluation of the European recovery target for construction and demolition waste

The present EU target for recovery of construction and demolition waste does not promote sustainability. Interpretations of waste and recovery definitions rather than resource efficiency and safe handling affect the monitoring. The general weight-based target has to be altered to favour recycling of resource-rich materials, not only of high weight materials. High grade recycling should be distinguished and prioritized to ensure safe recovery. This requires improved knowledge on waste generation and handling as well as on emissions of dangerous substances. A common Nordic approach is advocated

Study on methodological aspects regarding limit values for pollutants in aggregates in the context of the possible development of end-of-waste criteria under the EU Waste Framework Directive

This report provides a methodology proposal for establishing limit values for pollutants in waste-derived aggregates with a view of using such aggregates in a wide variety of construction projects, as part of possible end-of-waste criteria for aggregates in accordance with Article 6 of the Waste Framework Directive (2008/98/EC). More specifically, the study centres on aggregate substances that are subject to leaching and/or release through wear. The report focuses on identifying and assessing the pollution risks of using aggregates derived from waste, on reviewing how the use of aggregates is regulated today in the EU with respect to avoiding pollution, on assessing the need for including limit values for pollutants in end-of-waste criteria, on assessing the suitability of different types of pollutant limit values, on identifying and assessing the different methodological approaches for deriving pollutant limit values and on identifying the most suitable testing approaches and methods, including simplified modes of compliance.JRC.J.5-Sustainable Production and Consumptio

Hazardous waste classification : Amendments to the European Waste Classification regulation - what do they mean and what are the consequences?

In European legislation, waste is classified either as hazardous or non-hazardous. Hazardous waste is a waste that due to its (intrinsic) chemical or other properties poses a risk to the environment and/or human health. The legislation for waste classification was revised in 2014 in order to align it with the chemical legislation, the CLP Regulation, but some criteria and assessment procedures for the interpretation of the hazardousness were left open. Waste classification has several implications on the waste management. This report presents challenges in the hazardous waste classification. In this report, the authors express their views on the interpretation of the waste status, especially focusing on the potentially recyclable high volume waste streams. Also recommendations for the assessement of some hazardous properties are included

Consequences of Revised Criteria for Hazardous Waste Classification in the Nordic countries – the criterion for leaching (H15)

This report illustrates the consequences for hazardous waste classification in the Nordic countries by introducing leaching criteria (Criterion H15). Data on secondary aggregates and waste were compared to the proposed H15 criterion and the amounts of waste exceeding the criteria were evaluated. The quality of leaching data and waste statistics varies considerably between countries and waste types. Therefore it is not possible to give a precise estimate of how much waste would have to be classified as hazardous waste if the proposed leaching criteria were introduced. However, the collected data indicated that the amount of contaminated soil, municipal waste incineration bottom ash, fly ash (both coal fly ash and bio fly ash) and metallurgical slag classified as hazardous could be expected to increase substantially if leaching criteria were introduced. The proposed H15 criteria have been developed specifically for protection of groundwater under landfill conditions, based on certain, specified assumptions and scenarios and did not address hazardousness or environmental impacts in general.  The leaching test methods used are not equally suitable for all materials e.g. mining waste, and their applicability depends on a number of prerequisites including sample pre-treatment which can have a significant effect on the results. Such general use of leaching criteria and test methods developed for other purposes could lead to non-harmonised and erroneous classification

Uncertainty from sampling: workshop to launch a Nordtest handbook on sampling uncertainty estimation and control. Accreditation and Quality Assurance

A workshop on uncertainty in sampling was held in Hillerød, Denmark, on 12¿13 April 2007 to launch a new handbook on sampling quality assurance and uncertainty estimation. The participants of the workshop were approximately 60 delegates from 15 European countries, representing institutions performing sampling, users of the data, research institutions, as well as accreditation bodies. Materials from the workshop, including examples, tools, and calculation aids for the work can be found at http://www.samplersguide.com. The Nordtest handbook Uncertainty from sampling will be made available on the Nordtest web site at http://www.nordicinnovation.net/nordtest.cfm under NT technical reports, report number NT tec 604. Until the final report is available on the Nordtest web site, an advance draft of the Nordtest handbook is available from http://www.samplersguide.com

Strategies and methods for implementing CE in construction activities in the Nordic countries : policy brief​

A circular economy (CE) in the construction sector offers significant possibilities for saving natural resources and energy, while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The Nordic Working Group for Circular Eonomy (NCE) initiated a study to identify and present cases and experiences from the implementation of CE concepts at the local level in the Nordic communities with a focus on construction, renovation and demolition. This Policy Brief highligts the key findings

Strategies and methods for implementing CE in construction activities in the Nordic countries : supporting cases

The national strategies for a circular economy set the overall targets for implementation of circular economy in the country. Putting theory into practice via local strategies can be a good means for the transition towards a circular economy in the construction sector. Municipalities can set demands for CE solutions by requiring, e.g. the use of recycled and/or recyclable construction materials, the application of design for disassembly principles in construction and requiring resource mapping, and reuse and recycling in the demolition phase.  The study identifies and presents cases and experiences from the implementation of CE concepts at the local level in the Nordic communities with a focus on construction, renovation and demolition. Barriers and drivers for the uptake of CE solutions are analysed, and enabling factors that could support the implementation of circular economy concepts and identified barriers in norms, legislation and guidelines are described. As part of the project, the project group gave 10 policy recommendations.