Concrete recycling in France

Challenge the practice is addressing: This practice addresses a method to deal with construction and demolition waste, which is one of the heaviest and most voluminous waste streams generated. The production of cement requires a big amount of energy, releases huge amounts of carbon dioxide and is an irreversible process which is required to produce concrete. This approach focuses on recycled concrete aggregates which can be used for structural concrete applications.

Concrete practice to achieve the expected goal: Implementing guidelines for improved waste identification, source separation and collection, improved waste logistics and quality management. This was implemented in France on a national level by promoting the recycling of aggregates for road construction. This addresses mainly densely populated areas because this is where supply and demand come together.

Expected impact/goal of the practice: The ultimate goal is to implement recycled concrete aggregates into ready-mix concrete to reduce construction and demolition waste. However, the environmental, economic and social impact of ready-mix concrete production would be relatively small because it would only be reduced by 10 to 15 per cent. The expected goal until 2030 is to increase the percentage of recycled concrete aggregates to 25 per cent in ready-mix concrete.

Who is the target user group of the practice/intervention or implementing the practice/intervention? Target user group are industry and policy makers.