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Scientific Article details

Title Material stocks in Germany's non-domestic buildings: a new quantification method
ID_Doc 10018
Authors Ortlepp, R; Gruhler, K; Schiller, G
Title Material stocks in Germany's non-domestic buildings: a new quantification method
Year 2016
Published Building Research And Information, 44.0, 8
DOI 10.1080/09613218.2016.1112096
Abstract The building sector consumes large quantities of resources and generates high levels of construction and demolition (C&D) waste. From an urban mining' perspective, the building stock can be seen as a repository of natural resources. In order to manage this repository, evidence is needed on its quantity and dynamics. Although data exist for domestic buildings, little evidence exists for non-domestic buildings. A new method is presented to quantify the material stock of non-domestic buildings - based on the German building stock. The quantification process involves three steps: (1) material composition indicators (MCIs) are calculated with respect to various building types; (2) the country's total floor space is estimated and disaggregated; and (3) the total material stock is calculated. The main results are MCIs and the floor space for both domestic and non-domestic stocks, as well as the material mass in total. In Germany the total material mass of non-domestic buildings is approximately 6.8 billion tonnes, accounting for 44% of the entire building stock. The method can be adapted and validated for use in other countries. These results will assist both policy-makers and the construction industry to understand the potential for moving toward a more circular economy.
Author Keywords building stock; fixed assets; material composition indicators; material flow; non-domestic buildings; resource efficiency; urban mining
Index Keywords Index Keywords
Document Type Other
Open Access Open Access
Source Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED); Social Science Citation Index (SSCI)
EID WOS:000384072600002
WoS Category Construction & Building Technology
Research Area Construction & Building Technology
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