For the Province of North Holland, New Economy investigated whether meeting housing demand with a positive impact is possible. This requires careful consideration of the materials used. A metal beam is effective for complex structures and can be used in technical systems for renewable energy solutions. Concrete and bricks provide a solid foundation. However, for the vast majority of (residential) construction, wood is an ideal solution. Building with wood makes it possible to achieve CO2 storage instead of emitting CO2. Want to learn more about the opportunities for building with wood? Read more. here the extended article.
The opportunities for recycled wood
In recent years, we've concluded from various projects that the economic opportunities for (re)using wood are enormous. In the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area alone, at least €200 million worth of used wood is available annually. With this "waste wood," we could build approximately 1,200 homes!Link to the report) (download the presentation here).
Circular wood chains North Holland
The province of North Holland aims to become a circular province. Circular chains are a key element of this policy. (link to the Development PerspectiveCommissioned by the province of North Holland, New Economy has identified four promising circular value chains for woody biomass and timber from construction and demolition in the province. In its role as supply chain coordinator, New Economy has leveraged its experience from previous explorations and projects to implement several circular wood value chains in the region.
Through interviews with market participants in the construction and demolition sector, New Economy mapped out the opportunities for high-quality wood reuse in North Holland and developed a public calculation model for the various business cases. During four workshops with companies from North Holland, these opportunities were further explored and the calculation models were refined (Link to the calculation modelTogether, we examined the bottlenecks and necessary interventions to achieve a circular chain that is profitable for all parties involved. Subsequently, working agreements were made to establish an initial pilot project and explore what the circular timber chain would look like in practice.
Pilot chains: from calculation model to reality
In September, two pilot chains were launched with various market parties in which local and used wood is used in construction. In this way, the circular chain ‘from Boom to Balk’ beams and details made from trees from Amsterdam in collaboration with Stadshout & Bouwmaterialen Nederland, among others. In the chain ‘'by Beam to Balk'’ Work is underway to preserve wooden beams from demolition projects. During the first pilot project, 1,200 beams and 7 kilometers of purlins from a large demolition project involving Lagemaat & BMN Bouwmaterialen were dismantled and subsequently reused in construction. Both pilot projects appear to be profitable for the participating companies according to the calculation model. These innovative companies are collaborating to close loops and learn from each other about the practical implications of circular construction and dismantling. This transforms the circular economy from something "possible and profitable on paper" into opportunities that are seized in reality.Link to a post from one of the participants).
Opportunities for the circular construction economy
Meanwhile, market players are taking matters into their own hands: demolition contractors, a sawmill, and building materials wholesalers are collaborating to reuse wooden building materials for high-quality purposes. This is an important step in developing a more circular construction sector, where the positive impact of building with wood is enhanced by reusing wood and saving materials.
New Economy: programme makers for the circular economy
New Economy is creating a new economic perspective together with businesses and (local) governments. We are committed to transforming social challenges, societal developments, and trends into opportunities for our clients and society. Together, we are building the New Economy 2030. Want to know more about what New Economy can do for your supply chain? Contact us. Pippin.
Questions about this project? Please feel free to contact us contact with us!
English 
Dutch