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.
Circular Award Public 2020 and international showcase
New Economy’s work on circular timber chains in North Holland was recognised through the Circular Award Public 2020. The project is also represented as an international showcase by Holland Circular Hotspot, linking the timber-chain approach to circular construction and urban mining.
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.
From urban mine to building material
Circular timber requires chain coordination, careful demolition, business cases and demand certainty.
Explore strategy and action planning