The development of the use of recycled materials must be driven by high ambitions

At the 'Circular Build Forum 2024' conference, three experienced gentlemen in the construction industry, Johannes Joyce Henriksen from the consulting company Søren Jensen, Klaus Kellermann from Roskilde Municipality and Søren Tscherning from the construction company of the same name, spoke about the benefits, climate footprint and challenges when building with recycled materials. The title of the presentation was 'Recycling - from vision to reality'.

Søren has taken his own medicine and built Tscherninghuset. A 1,600 m2 domicile in Hedehusene made from 90% recycled materials. Large concrete elements from his own demolitions, bricks from an old school, wooden floors from a disused smithy and many other materials from various demolition projects were used. It hasn't been a straightforward project when everything depends on what materials are available at the time they are needed. But it has been worth it in the experience according to Søren.

- I want to lead the way, find solutions and alternative approaches. I want to take my own medicine and be the brave developer that I call for myself, Søren ended his presentation.

The room was packed to the rafters with engaged listeners. Despite a very warm room, questions were eagerly asked. All three representatives agreed that the development of the use of recycled materials must be driven by high ambitions. For example, a unified marketplace for recycled materials must be developed to provide the necessary flexibility. There needs to be more focus on greener alternatives early on in the construction process - preferably already in the idea phase.

Photos: Søren Tscherning at the Circular Build Forum (top) and the reception in Tscherninghuset (bottom)