The municipality of Heerlen saves €1 million per year through smart reuse of materials.
The municipality of Heerlen will save one million euros every year. This is stated in the new budget. The savings will be achieved through a new way of working: smart reuse of materials from municipal buildings, roads, and other projects. This is also known as circular material management.
Casper Gelderblom, Alderman and Circularity: "Circular material management is not only good for the environment, but also for the municipal coffers. Heerlen is showing that it can be done." With this approach, Heerlen is a frontrunner: the first in Limburg and one of the first municipalities in the country.
From waste to raw material
What initially appeared to be demolition waste has now proven to be valuable. By assessing in advance which materials will be released, their condition, and when they will be available, the municipality can reuse or sell them via a circular marketplace. This transforms demolition from a cost item into a source of value.
Material flows
The demolition itself still costs money. That is not the focus of this approach. The profit lies in what happens after the demolition. By clearly identifying the material flows in advance, Heerlen can limit the costs of dismantling, transport, and storage.
Conservative estimate
The annual savings of one million euros are deliberately calculated conservatively. Research into public spaces and more than 170 municipal buildings shows that the actual value could be much higher. The municipality has opted to build this up step by step.
More grip and security
The approach also provides greater certainty. Until now, the reuse of materials was often dependent on chance. This made the market unpredictable. With this new approach, the municipality can make plans and prepare projects more effectively.
Future-oriented and sustainable
The municipality needs to purchase fewer new materials and is less vulnerable to price increases and shortages. The approach also contributes to climate goals. In this way, Heerlen demonstrates that circular working is good for the planet and for the wallet.
Collaboration and innovation
Where demolition used to be the end point, it is now a starting point in Heerlen. Disassembly, storage, and transport are now part of a smart system. The new approach was developed in collaboration with the Meaconomy Foundation and the Brightlands Smart Services Campus.