'The future profit is in actual reuse'

Many demolition companies see circularity as an important carrier of their business model. The key is to integrate reuse of building materials into the construction chain and push it forward in business operations, says Hans Nijkamp of circular demolition company RGS. "Where there is innovation in collaboration you see results, such as in the chain of New Horizon Urban Mining. A lot of recycling already takes place, but the substantive growth is in actual reuse."

Circularity is often already a starting point at the project level; single reuse is a drop in the bucket. "Repeating processes and creating volume is essential," says Nijkamp. "With New Horizon as a client, we are carrying out two large transformation projects in Hoofddorp and Diemen, concerning several office buildings. For example, an innovative machine is being used there from a third party, which can reduce concrete rubble to its raw materials. A lot is already happening with recycling and concrete aggregate, these are the real innovations. 98% of our demolition materials are recycled, in terms of actual reuse there is still a lot to be gained. We basically work characters the same way: first carefully strip, then demolish. Cable ducts and wooden window frames, for example, can very well be reused, as we ourselves do in our building in Rijssen."

Hans Nijkamp.

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Big, industry-wide steps still need to be made in this area, Nijkamp said. "It's actually the same process as the plastic bag at the supermarket: there has to be a change in awareness. Good example follows good practice, and then the entire industry will follow. Everyone will gladly call themselves sustainable, because, after all, it is demanded. But being sustainable together, and then also circular, requires new forms of cooperation - no longer focused on selling more, but on 'new use'. We are part of the Insert foundation, a marketplace in which a number of demolition, infra and green companies are setting up an investment fund to create clout. We are also simply an experienced national party that has been around for sixty years, with national coverage. We look forward to clients with ideas, because property owners and users are also an important part of the growing circular economy."