Returned offcuts from building sites reduce carbon costs
From July 2025, Danish legislation will introduce stricter CO2 requirements for new buildings including a specific limit value for emissions from the construction phase. One way to meet the new requirements is to reduce material waste by returning and recycling the waste as this does not add to the carbon footprint of the building’s LCA. Here, Troldtekt’s return scheme offers a clear advantage.
Going forward, contractors will increasingly be required to monitor emissions from activities on the building site - from energy and water consumption to packaging and material waste. All of this count toward the climate impact of the construction phase. By reducing material waste, it is possible to lower emissions and Troldtekt's return scheme can support this effort.
The scheme helps minimise waste on site, which in turn provides CO2 savings in the building's overall life cycle assessment (LCA). "We're seeing a strong focus from both clients and contractors on making the construction process more efficient," says Tina Snedker Kristensen, Head of Sustainability and Communications at Troldtekt A/S.
"Our return scheme allows offcuts from Troldtekt acoustic panels on the building to be reused in other applications such as ground cover in plantations and livestock bedding. In this way, the cement-bonded wood wool waste does not contribute to the building's LCA."
Emission limits will continue to tighten
Overview of the Danish Building Regulations in brief:
- · From 1 July 2025, emissions from the construction phase (modules A4 and A5 in a LCA) must not exceed 1.5 kg CO2e/m2/year, measured over 50 years. Construction and material waste are included in module A5.
- The total emission limit for the building is set at 7.1 kg CO2e/m2/year, measured over 50 years. This includes material production, operational energy and the ongoing replacement of building components.
- The limits apply to new builds and will be tightened further in the coming years.
- Note that the figure 7.1 kg is an average. Different building types have different thresholds, but the 1.5 kg limit the limit value for the construction emissions applies across all building types.
A study from Aalborg University (2023) shows that modules A4 and A4 account for approximately 1.4 kg CO2e/m2/year in a typical new build - with construction waste alone responsible for more than 0.5 kg. This underlines the value of reducing on-site waste and spillage.
Practical information about implementation guidelines
Troldtekt has entered into a partnership with Sønderup Montage in Kibæk to ensure that returned offcuts are collected, crushed, and put to use in the biological cycles.
Learn how to use Troldtekt’s return scheme
The return scheme is limited to offcuts and waste from new Troldtekt acoustic panels. Troldtekt also works on a number of other take-back models aimed at recycling, reusing and upcycling used panels from renovation or demolition projects.
FACTS: Which models are included?
The new regulations on CO2 emissions from new builds cover the following modules in a life cycle assessment (LCA):
