Circular reuseof timber from the urban mine
For the province of North Holland, New Economy explored opportunities for circular reuse of timber from construction and demolition. The analysis showed how used timber can become a resource for new homes, circular supply chains and regional business cases.
Key findings
- At least EUR 200 million in used timber becomes available each year in the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area.
- The available reclaimed timber is enough for around 1,200 homes.
- Four promising circular timber chains were mapped.
- An open calculation model supports the business cases.
- Two pilot chains translated the analysis into practice.
- In the first demolition chain, 1,200 beams and 7 kilometres of purlins were dismantled and reused.
- Timber construction can connect material reuse with temporary to long-term carbon storage.
From waste stream to supply chain
New Economy mapped timber flows, analysed business cases and supported market parties in developing circular pilot chains.
The value of reused timber depends on careful demolition, storage, processing, certification and secure demand.
Insights from this project
The specific timber insights have been translated into English and linked to this project page.
InzichtTwo pilot chains bring circular timber into building practiceTwo pilot chains translate the circular timber calculation model into building practice.Circular Reuse of Timber from the Urban Mine in North HollandInzichtFour promising circular timber chains were mappedNew Economy mapped four promising circular timber chains from construction and demolition.Circular Reuse of Timber from the Urban Mine in North HollandInzichtEnough reclaimed timber for around 1,200 homesThe available reclaimed timber in the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area is enough to realise around 1,200 homes.Circular Reuse of Timber from the Urban Mine in North HollandInzichtAt least EUR 200 million in used timber is available each yearAt least EUR 200 million worth of used timber from construction and demolition becomes available each year.Circular Reuse of Timber from the Urban Mine in North Holland
From urban mine to building material
Circular timber requires chain coordination, careful demolition, business cases and demand certainty.
Explore strategy and action planning