Barriers and opportunities to reuse of building materials in the Norwegian construction sector

Abstract

In spite of ambitious goals regarding implementing circular economy, many well-intended projects fail in practice. One essential question is how reuse of building materials from demolitions can be realized at industrial scale in the high-cost country of Norway? The paper points to barriers and opportunities for reuse of construction products and technical installations in Norwegian buildings. The technical, legislative and market barriers are interrelated and linked to 1) An undeveloped market due to lack of economic driving forces, 2) Lack of information about used construction products and 3) Inexpedient legislation that is not adapted to the sale and use of used building materials. Proposals for measures to increase reuse are linked to the legal framework, economic incentives, competence, information system/marketplace, technical control and certification procedures as well as risk management. It is recommended to clarify and adjust the regulations relating to both the trading and the use of reused construction products. Also, it may be useful to study how other EEA countries deal with the challenges presented by the Construction Products Regulation. The study will be further followed up by the NHP-network, consisting of 15 Norwegian building industry organizations.