Circular economy in the construction sector: How a material register in NRW can contribute to greater transparency

In view of the current immense challenges, the real estate industry must ask itself what measures it can take to work sustainably in the future, but above all in a way that protects the climate and conserves resources. The answer to this question is quickly found: with the help of a functioning circular economy. The long-term and owner-independent documentation of materials and components turns buildings into material banks, primary resources are saved and CO2 emissions are significantly reduced. The key is therefore digital information on where, what, how much and in what quality is used. This is exactly what the building resource passport offers. However, the passport alone is of little use. An accumulation of information in a material register is necessary in order to develop and implement a regional raw materials strategy.