Material stocks in Germany's non-domestic buildings: a new quantification method. Issue 8 (16th November 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ortlepp, Regine; Gruhler, Karin; Schiller, Georg
• Is Part Of: Building research and information. Volume 44:Issue 8(2016)
• Page Start: 840
• Page End: 862
• Publication Date: 2016-11-16
• Subjects: building stock -- fixed assets -- material composition indicators -- material flow -- non-domestic buildings -- resource efficiency -- urban mining; Building -- Periodicals; Building -- Research -- Periodicals; 690.015
• DOI: 10.1080/09613218.2016.1112096
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0961-3218

Abstract

Abstract : The building sector consumes large quantities of resources and generates high levels of construction and demolition (C&D) waste. From an 'urban mining' perspective, the building stock can be seen as a repository of natural resources. In order to manage this repository, evidence is needed on its quantity and dynamics. Although data exist for domestic buildings, little evidence exists for non-domestic buildings. A new method is presented to quantify the material stock of non-domestic buildings – based on the German building stock. The quantification process involves three steps: (1) material composition indicators (MCIs) are calculated with respect to various building types; (2) the country's total floor space is estimated and disaggregated; and (3) the total material stock is calculated. The main results are MCIs and the floor space for both domestic and non-domestic stocks, as well as the material mass in total. In Germany the total material mass of non-domestic buildings is approximately 6.8 billion tonnes, accounting for 44% of the entire building stock. The method can be adapted and validated for use in other countries. These results will assist both policy-makers and the construction industry to understand the potential for moving toward a more circular economy.