The construction sector consumes vast resources and ranks among the top producers of greenhouse gases. For this reason, sustainable social development is unthinkable without significant input from the construction sector. bauma 2025 will showcase the various methods within the construction machinery realm for promoting sustainable building practices. The top global trade fair for construction machinery, building material machines, mining equipment, construction vehicles, and construction tools is scheduled to take place from April 7 to 13 at the Munich exhibition center.
Serial building conserves resources.
In terms of conserving resources, serial construction stands out as one of the most effective strategies. “It utilizes raw and additional materials more effectively than traditional construction techniques, since prefabrication can occur in a regulated industrial setting,” states Stephan Oehme, Consultant Mining & Minerals, Construction Equipment and Plant Engineering at the German Engineering Federation (VDMA). He suggests that there are several ways to reduce material waste: production waste and scrap materials produced at the factory can be recycled more effectively. It is additionally simpler to take apart the structures after their useful life has ended and to recycle their materials.
3D printing utilizing recycled raw materials and sustainable biobased materials
To enhance the protection of natural resources, there is potential for increased utilization of recycled materials in 3D printing for construction. The sector is also conducting research on biobased substances for additive manufacturing. Regardless, demand appears to be present: A study by the market research firm Exactitude Consultancy indicates that the international market for 3D printing mortar is projected to expand from approximately USD 3.5 billion in 2024 to about USD 13.8 billion in 2034.
Elevated recycling rate for mineral construction debris
According to the Kreislaufwirtschaft Bau initiative, more than 90 percent of the approximately 208 million tons of mineral construction waste produced in Germany in 2022 was recycled. “The concept of recycling is now firmly embedded in the core of the construction sector, as evidenced by the numerous highly effective solutions,” notes Oehme. For instance, cold recyclers from the Wirtgen Group can be utilized to prepare asphalt pavements on location. The current pavement is crushed using a milling and mixing rotor and conditioned by incorporating binding agents, cement, and water. The outcome is a uniform substance that can be reused immediately.
Electric motors for various applications
Sustainable construction also aims for decarbonization to the greatest extent feasible. Adding to that are the alternative propulsion systems for mobile construction machines, which will again be a distinct key subject at bauma in 2025. Moreover, electric solutions help eliminate exhaust emissions and noise generated by construction machinery, including vibratory plates and tamping rammers. The variety of products is currently so extensive that, as stated by the manufacturer Wacker Neuson, a fully emission-free construction site is feasible today.
Asphalt mixing with low emissions
Additional market participants that promote eco-friendly building include manufacturers of construction materials. For instance, an asphalt production firm located in Nentershausen, Hesse, Germany, is currently utilizing the Revoc system by Benninghoven, which debuted globally at bauma 2022. The modified “catalytic converter” allows for a reduction in total carbon emissions by as much as 50 percent, while the proportion of recycled material in the asphalt can rise to as much as 60 percent. Benninghoven has also introduced the world’s first asphalt burner that operates entirely on green hydrogen.
Sustainable also means socially responsible
“Sustainable construction is by no means limited to resource awareness, recycling of the materials used, and a smaller carbon footprint,” says the VDMA expert and goes on to say: “Alongside economic viability, safeguarding human health is also a key objective.” Reducing construction site noise, for example, is good for the health of both the workers and local residents. Many municipalities around the world, such as Munich, London, Paris, and Zurich, are boosting the use of quieter construction machinery through guidelines, regulations, and subsidies. E-machines are not only particularly quiet, but also emit no harmful exhaust gases or particulate matter where they are used.