Urban Mining in Parkstad: Building Circular Value Chains
Leveraging urban mining to transform material flows and drive successful circular value chains in Parkstad.
Parkstad Limburg is a region in South-East Limburg, with over 255,000 inhabitants. The municipalities of Heerlen, Kerkrade, Landgraaf, Brunssum, Voerendaal, Simpelveld, and Beekdaelen together form Parkstad Limburg. Parkstad is embarking on a significant socio-economic and physical restructuring effort involving the demolition of 8,000 homes and the construction of 7,500 new ones. Through urban mining, this project dives deep into three potential circular value chains (ceramic roof tiles, refurbishing ceiling panels, and reusing and fabricating wooden beams and frames) that can deliver real environmental and economic benefits by reusing materials from these processes.
- Client: Stadsregio Parkstad Limburg – Paul Consten
- Partner:
- Core interviews/group
- New Horizon, Luijtgaarden, Circq, Cirqwood, HeezenBV, BloemSloopwerken, Habenu-van der Kreeke
- Interview
- ADEX Groep, Bouwcirculair, Geelen Beton, HeezenBV, JPO, Klinker Historika, Laudy Bouw, RD4, Rockwool , Trespa – Nemho, Weller, Wienerberger, Wonen Limburg
- Core interviews/group
- Date: April 2024
Understanding and utilizing the urban mine, through circular value chains.
Stadsregio Parkstad Limburg is a region in South-East Limburg, with over 255,000 inhabitants. It faces a significant socio-economic and physical restructuring challenge over the next decade. With approximately 8,000 homes to be demolished and 7,500 new homes to be built, along with the removal of around 130,000 m² of retail space, there’s a substantial amount of material flow. Urban Mining can create significant added value by closing loops according to the value hill model. Parkstad seeks a detailed understanding of the demand and supply of these building materials in the region and the potential of circular value chains in the region.
Mapping, analyzing, and addressing barriers in the Urban Mine
The approach involved mapping the urban mine based on predicted demolition, renovation, and maintenance tasks, providing a forecast of material flows up to 2030. Interviews with local parties and experts identified potential applications for the materials, leading to the selection of promising circular value chains. These value chains were evaluated on their contribution to reducing environmental impact and their feasibility for regional implementation.
Business cases and Strategic recommendations
The project resulted in three business cases and strategic recommendations for circular value chains in Parkstad. These cases cover the reuse of ceramic roof tiles, refurbishing ceiling panels, and reusing and fabricating wooden beams and frames. The implementation of these chains is expected to generate economic, social, and environmental benefits, including job creation, CO2e reduction, and reduced reliance on primary raw materials. The recommendations outline roles for various stakeholders to ensure the successful activation of these value chains.
