The new law replaces the previous state waste law and is intended to further advance the transition to a resource-efficient circular economy.
Key points include the integration of sustainability criteria into public tenders and the increased use of recycled materials. Due to the significant volume of public procurement, a surge in innovation is expected from state government procurement.
Construction is of particular importance, both in terms of the use of natural resources and the demolition of buildings. This will be taken into account in the future through the use of resource-efficient building materials and corresponding requirements for product, environmental, and health protection in construction projects.
Specific measures include the equal use of recycled concrete alongside concrete made from primary raw materials in building construction, the equal use of mineral substitute building materials alongside building materials made from primary raw materials in civil engineering, requirements for the avoidance and recycling of construction and demolition waste, and the preparation of deconstruction and disposal plans for larger projects.
Minister Heinen-Esser emphasizes: “Overall, the new state circular economy law is a milestone in state law for strengthening the circular economy and for a sustainable economic system. It makes an important contribution to the protection of natural resources, as we owe to future generations.”
