High level conversations in the “Think Tank”

Published 20/11, 2024 at 16:14

Words from the EDA President

On 9 October 2024, we held the ‘EDA Think Tank 2024’ in Brussels, an event with the goal of discussing the challenges and opportunities in construction and demolition (C&D) waste management and pre-demolition audits. It was a thought provoking day, full of high level conversations that highlight how critical it is to move our sector toward more efficient and sustainable processes

This year’s event was particularly significant as it featured contributions from the European Commission, highlighting the increasing alignment between industry actions and EU regulatory frameworks. Their participation shows a growing understanding that waste management has emerged as a top concern for both business and legislative agendas, and that the future of building and demolition must be based on the ideas of the circular economy.

The discussions began with an in-depth look at the C&D Waste Management Protocol, which has undergone key updates to reflect new challenges and technological advancements. The revised protocol introduces stronger guidelines for selective demolition, focusing on how we can dismantle structures in a way that maximises material recovery. Additionally, new measures to safely handle hazardous materials like asbestos were outlined, ensuring that health and safety standards continue to evolve alongside industry needs.

One of the most promising developments discussed was the introduction of digital building logbooks. These logbooks will allow us to better track the materials used in buildings throughout their lifecycle, providing vital information for when the buildings are inevitably destroyed. By improving the effectiveness of recycling and reuse procedures, this innovation will help us recover resources more efficiently and cut down on waste. These actions are essential as we seek to increase resource efficiency and reduce the negative effects of our operations on the environment.

The event's second session covered pre-demolition audits, a practice that is rapidly becoming mandatory for larger projects. These assessments are necessary to guarantee that demolition is done safely, safeguarding the environment and public health. By determining which materials may be recovered and recycled, pre-demolition audits help us plan more efficiently. This results in selective demolition, which contributes to the larger objective of a circular economy while also reducing waste.

It is evident that the EDA Think Tank 2024 was a major milestone in the direction of more environmentally friendly demolition techniques. Our industry will be able to decrease waste and increase safety thanks to the new C&D Waste Management Protocol and its emphasis on pre-demolition audits.

We must keep improving these procedures and welcoming innovation going forward. Together, we can set the standard for ecologically conscious demolition and guarantee a more sustainable future for our sector.

 

About EDA

The EDA was founded in 1978 and is the leading platform for national demolition associations, demolition contractors and suppliers. The EDA has a strong focus on developments in Europe, which are of interest to the demolition industry.

info@europeandemolition.org
www.europeandemolition.org

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