Secondary raw material markets in the C&D sector: Study on user acceptance in southwest Germany

In industrialized countries, regulations demand increasingly higher recycling (RC) rates
and many efforts are undertaken to recycle construction and demolition (C&D) waste
fractions. The C&D sector has indisputable relevance due to the highest mineral waste
fraction, high numbers of employees and turnovers. High-quality RC construction
products can be produced to substitute primary resources and reduce land use.
This empirical study analyses the acceptance of RC materials in Germany particularly
of private awarding authorities in their private construction project(s). In 41 structured
interviews, data is collected and evaluated based on hypotheses.
Qualitative and quantitative analyses show that acceptance problems cannot be stated.
How-ever, medium knowledge and low experience with RC construction materials as
well as communication problems are identified. The respondents have no concerns and
tend to trust in RC construction materials, but this is decreasing with the increased
structural importance of the materials. Surprisingly, quality is the most frequently
mentioned decision criteria in private construction projects, followed by cost. ... mehrPrivate
awarding authorities see no increase of their property value by using RC construction
materials. And, the majority is unwilling to pay a premium for RC construction
materials. Higher material quality standards, regular government reviews and financial
support are seen conducive.