Circular construction; One man's trash is KWS's treasure

KWS has the ambition to be 100% circular by 2040. This means that we will no longer use primary raw materials in our projects as well as in our operations. To achieve this, we have set a number of concrete goals.

For example, we aim to develop a circularity scan by 2023, 80% of the projects will have a materials passport by 2025, and 80% of the raw materials processed will be secondary by 2030. We test our vision every year and adjust based on the results.

The circularity scan mentioned above is a quick scan of a project. Here we analyze the project and identify opportunities to make the project as circular as possible. This tool is currently already being used and we are in the process of further developing the scan.

Custom

Circular construction is still quite new and requires a different way of working as well as chain cooperation. Because not all projects are yet equipped for circularity. And each project requires a customized approach. There is no one size fits all-solution. To make a project circular, we need to engage with our clients at an earlier stage of the work to take advantage of circular opportunities in the design or in the environment. In addition, there is still much to be gained in making circularity measurable. We are currently developing a tool for this purpose. We hope to be able to deploy this soon.

Circular innovations

But we have also already achieved a great deal. For example, we are continuously working on new asphalt mixtures based on recycled materials, KWS has been involved as a founder in PlasticRoad; a climate-adaptive bicycle path made from plastic waste consisting of modular blocks and subsidiary Holland Scherm is initiator of the innovative GeoWall; noise barriers made from dredging; the largest waste stream in the Netherlands.

Matching supply and demand

In addition to the above examples, KWS has launched a pilot start-up. They have created a digital matching site where contractors, suppliers and clients can offer materials from projects or, conversely, indicate that they are looking for materials. The platform matches supply and demand and facilitates the reuse of our own materials.

Working on the road of tomorrow

Building sustainably does not always mean building more expensively. By reusing materials from our own projects in our other projects, we save on purchasing, transportation and landfill costs. This also gives more certainty on delivery and purchase prices. By focusing on smart and targeted measures related to circular construction, we achieve many benefits for our planet. Such as less use of raw materials and less emissions and pollution during the extraction of raw materials.

The solutions we realize in the field of circularity last a lifetime. At KWS, we don't think in years, but in generations. And we work together on the road of tomorrow!