Precast Concrete Component 2.0: The Circular Economy in Construction
- Oliver Tessmann
Construction is responsible for around half the waste generated in Germany and in many other countries. This does not have to be so: the possible service life of modern buildings normally far exceeds their actual service life. Lack of material durability is seldom the reason for demolishing a building. The more likely cause is economic obsolescence or an outmoded building typology. The climate crisis and shortages of resources require a shift from linear towards circular material and component flows. The spolia of our times call for respect, not only for the material and energy input, but also the cost and effort involved in the design and manufacture of building components that are too valuable to be abandoned to downcycling.
