Dear Sir or Madam, dear readers,

North Rhine-Westphalia has the potential to become a European hub for the circular economy – especially in the construction and infrastructure sector. But for ambition to turn into reality, it takes more than strategies and slogans: it requires framework conditions that work on real projects. That is exactly why the German Demolition Association (DA) has submitted its position as part of the current online consultation by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and the Ministry of the Environment.

Our point is clear: No dismantling, no circular economy. Sustainable loops can only be built if selective dismantling, hazardous-substance remediation, reuse, and recycling are considered from the very beginning – and if companies can invest in technology, people, facilities, and logistics without having to fear new requirements and additional verification obligations every year. Secondary raw materials and second-life products must no longer be disadvantaged by inconsistent rules or excessive documentation.

At the same time, we need a real market lever: the public sector. Public tenders should systematically give preference to recycled construction materials wherever they are technically suitable and available regionally – and life-cycle and CO₂ aspects must finally become visible in procurement decisions. In addition, circularity is determined at the planning stage. “Design for Deconstruction” must become the standard so that materials can actually be separated and reused later on.

You will find our detailed position, our specific demands, and why skills and training play a key role in the linked article.

We wish you an enjoyable read.

Your DA Team