Barriers to the use of recycled concrete from the perspective of executing companies and possible solution approaches - case study Germany and Switzerland

The objectives of the study are the identification of obstacles to the use of recycled concrete and the empirical examination of the effectiveness of selected economic policy measures to increase the use of recycled concrete in building construction. Combined item-based and factorial survey of Swiss and German executing companies in the construction and concrete value chain was carried out. Results indicate that the consideration of recycled materials in the public tender increases the likelihood of tender application using recycled concrete. The reimbursement of costs when using recycled materials also has a positive, whereas the recognition of recycled materials by a label has a negative effect. Lack of governmental support in its various manifestations and market related factors such as low demand and supply for recycled concrete have been identified as central obstacles to the use recycled concrete in Germany from the perspective of executing companies. In context of promoting sustainable construction, the results point to the need to consider recycled materials in the public tender, stronger governmental support and further training and qualification measures on the subject of recycled concrete.