The European Commission is on target to announce a new set of legislations on Circular Economy by late 2015 consisting of more ambitious policies than were previously suggested. The ROCKWOOL Group is actively taking part in the discussions generated by the renewed focus.
Speakers from the European Parliament present at ROCKWOOL sponsored roundtable, discussing the future of the EU’s Circular Economy.
In an effort to define and refine the Circular Economy agenda, a roundtable meeting was held in Brussels on 27 May, bringing together business representatives and EU policy makers specifically interested in how buildings can contribute to a more sustainable Circular Economy in Europe.
Buildings account for nearly 50% of all fixed assets in the EU, and therefore their overall significance cannot be ignored in the final package. “It is important that buildings are more efficiently deconstructed so that recyclable waste does not end up in landfill – ultimately polluting the planet and wasting valuable resources”, said Agnes Schuurmans, Public Affairs Manager for ROCKWOOL International A/S.
“The ROCKWOOL Group already contributes to the Circular Economy by utilising secondary raw materials from other industries and recycling its own waste and stone wool coming back from the market, but with more streamlined legislation in the EU this could again be improved”.
The Circular Economy can be the source of many tangible benefits in society, including increased innovation and employment – over 1 million new jobs for remanufacturing globally and for recycling in Europe, which work in tandem to create a more sustainable and modernized market. Also, the cyclical nature of products and materials as they are repeatedly reused means less of an environmental impact; reducing the need for raw materials which could induce material savings worth almost EUR 500 million.
Last week’s roundtable discussion brought forward these ideas and shed light on the room for improvement in the building market in the presence of European Commission member Mr. Basuyau and MEP Mrs. Pietikäinen, who is currently drafting a report on the Circular Economy that will be influential in the final package decision later this year.
Source: Rockwool.com
