<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nIt is estimated that the construction sector is responsible for 50% of the total consumption of raw materials in the Netherlands. Circular construction is therefore of great importance for the transition to a circular economy. Demi Alders and Boas Kraaijeveld, consultants at CFP Green Buildings, describe four important trends relating to circular construction.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n1. Urban mining gives materials from the city a second life<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n \n
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One trend in the field of circular construction is urban mining. But what is that exactly? In urban mining, materials from the city \u2013 that have reached the end of their lifecycle \u2013 are reused in new projects.<\/p>\n\t
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Demi Alders, consultant at CFP: \u201cWe are seeing more and more construction companies using \u2018urban mines\u2019 or \u2018material hubs\u2019. In these urban mines, the materials are processed and temporarily stored until they are given a new purpose. This allows construction companies to ensure that as much material as possible gets a second life.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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2. Modular construction: flexibility, circularity and less environmental impact<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n \n \n\t
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Modular construction is becoming increasingly popular and it can be applied to different aspects of a building. For example, the outer shell of a building can be modular, but so can the installations and the interior.<\/p>\n\t
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The various components of a building have different lifespans and it is therefore important to design a building in modular fashion, so that the various elements can be replaced independently of each other. Demi: \u201cA good example of this are the houses along the Laan van Spartaan road in Amsterdam. The modular design reduces material loss and transport movements, reducing the construction project\u2019s environmental footprint. In addition, modular construction leads to greater flexibility, because when the building is given a different function, the units can be taken apart and they can be re-used for other projects.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n