CIRCULAR ECONOMY

Ecodesign

The ultimate aim of the Eco-design Directive is that manufacturers of energy-using products will, at the design stage, be obliged to reduce the energy consumption and other negative environmental impacts of products. It is also aimed at enforcing other environmental considerations including: materials use; water use; polluting emissions; waste issues and recyclability.

Construction products are not listed under the Eco-design schema, and indeed we are in favor of listing construction products into a sector specific regulation, as Construction Products Regulation.

Renovation Wave

Renovation Wave offers renovating buildings to drive energy efficiency by aiming to double annual energy renovation rates. As well as reducing emissions, these renovations will enhance quality of life for people living in and using the buildings, and should create many additional green jobs in the construction sector. Renovation Wave identifies 3 focus areas: tackling energy poverty and worst-performing buildings, public buildings and social infrastructure, decarbonising heating and cooling. 

While European Commission is in favor of deep renovation, we as BIBM invite policymakers to be aware of the fact that renovating is a rational choice only in particular cases. On the other hand, renovating may cause serious problems in the long term such as chemical dissemination, mold, and cracks. We also propose use of precast in construction with the purpose of easy dismantling if needed.

Urban Wastewater Directive (UWWD)

Urban wastewater is among the main sources of water pollution if not treated as it contains organic matter, nitrogen and phosphorous. It also can be contaminated with harmful chemicals, bacteria and viruses. The Urban Wastewater Directive aims to protect the environment from the adverse effects of urban wastewater and industrial discharges through effective treatment of domestic and industrial wastewater; ensuring advanced treatment of all discharges from highly populated areas; monitoring the performance of treatment plants and receiving waters and control of sewage sludge disposal and reuse, and treating wastewater reuse whenever it is appropriate.

We as BIBM signify the good management of waste water as the first step solution to the problem, and we offer precast pipes as a durable and safe solution since they don’t leak any substances.

Construction and Demolition Waste (CDW) package

European Commission published non-binding guides to the industry on addressing construction demolition waste. The main principle considered is the importance of proper management of construction demolition waste and recycled materials including the correct handling of hazardous waste. This will be achieved by: waste identification, source separation and collection, waste logistics, waste processing, quality management, policy and framework conditions. 

BIBM is in favor of phasing out waste, and indeed reusing or recycling the wasted material while qualifying the quality.

Eco-label

Eco-label is an European Union voluntary label for environmental excellence. It certifies products with a guaranteed, independently-verified low environmental impact. To be awarded the EU Ecolabel, goods and services should meet high environmental standards throughout their entire life cycle: from raw material extraction through production and distribution to disposal. The label also encourages companies to develop innovative products that are durable, easy to repair and recyclable. Through the EU Ecolabel, industry can offer true and reliable eco-friendly alternatives to conventional products, empowering consumers to make informed choices and play an active role in the green transition.

BIBM is in favor of Eco-label labelling schema as it is a trustworthy mechanism to demonstrate feasibility and sustainability of products. Precast hard floor coverings are included in this scheme.

EU Taxonomy

Sustainable Finance Taxonomy is intended to establish a common language for sustainable finance to define what is sustainable and identify areas where investment can make the biggest impact. In order to qualify, economic activities as sustainable they will have to fulfil the following requirements: contribute substantively to at least one of the environmental objectives; not significantly harm any of the environmental objectives; be carried out in compliance with minimum social safeguards; comply with specific ‘technical screening criteria’.

The EU taxonomy should be ambitious but realistic, and there is always the need to involve all the market players while finding out the good way for sustainable taxonomy.