Infrastructure

• Reconsider demand for infrastructure needs: Question the actual need for new infrastructure. Can existing infrastructure elements or networks be repaired, upgraded or used more efficiently? This reduces the need for new materials.
• Smart design for less material use: Design infrastructure with a view to minimising material use. Consider optimising the width of roads, overpasses or foundations, or using lighter materials without sacrificing strength and safety.
• Multifunctional use: Design infrastructure elements that can perform multiple functions. For example, combining water management with traffic infrastructure or incorporating space for future expansion without additional material consumption.
• Use of lightweight structures: Choose lighter structures or modular elements that reduce material consumption, such as the use of innovative precast elements that can be installed faster and with less material.
• Repair and maintenance over new construction: Design maintenance and renovation contracts to focus on long-term preservation and enhancement of existing infrastructure. This can be instead of completely replacing infrastructure elements that are still functional.
• Integrate circular logistics: Include in your tenders provisions for the storage and transport of materials from other projects. Ensure there is flexibility so that materials in different shapes and sizes can be reused, even if they do not meet industry standards.
• Reduce material waste during construction: Ensure that unnecessary materials are not purchased during the construction phase and that materials are used efficiently. Monitor use and residual flows of materials to minimise waste.

• Gain insight into the environmental impact of materials used in infrastructure projects. A TOTEM tool for infrastructure works is currently being developed.
• Strive to increase the proportion of recycled materials in infrastructure elements, such as concrete elements, asphalt and steel. Regular market surveys provide insight into the current possibilities and the percentage of recycled content that can be requested in specifications.
• Increase the proportion of bio-based materials, for example for foundations, verge reinforcements or other areas of application where bio-based alternatives meet the functional requirements. Here too, the market survey gives clues as to feasibility.
• Optimise energy consumption during the construction and operation phases, such as through more efficient machinery, limiting temporary installations and using energy-efficient systems for lighting, pumps or traffic signals.
• Reduce transport-related CO₂ emissions by maximising the use of rail and water transport for the supply and removal of heavy materials and raw materials, and through smart logistics planning that minimises empty vehicle trips.
• Encourage circular solutions, such as reusing existing materials on the project or elsewhere within the network, and design for disassembly and future repurposing of infrastructure elements.
• Actively work with suppliers and contractors to encourage and accelerate innovative, sustainable material applications within infrastructure works.

• During the design of infrastructure works, highlight the potential of future functions (functional adaptability) and possible extensions. The design should be change-oriented so that future needs can be met.
• In your specifications, highlight modular design and dismantleable connections for easy replacement of components.
• Encourage life extension through DBFM and performance contracts.
• Enter into good maintenance contracts for proper maintenance and timely repair of infrastructure.
• Ask suppliers for advice on optimal and efficient use of infrastructure.

- Design infrastructure elements according to the principle of 'Design for Disassembly', choosing products and connections so that they can be easily taken apart. This makes it more likely that materials and components will be reused in high-end applications at the end of their useful life.

- Apply modular and standardised design: using standard sizes and components means that parts can be easily replaced, modified or reused elsewhere within other projects.

- Ensure complete insight into the composition and connections of materials. Use connections that are compatible and interchangeable.

- Make contractual agreements with suppliers and contractors regarding take-back, reuse or repurchase of materials and components after the end of their useful life, possibly with agreements on residual value and guarantees of reuse.

• Emphasize in a design of e.g. bridges that the various components can be easily separated from each other into pure raw materials after their useful life (design for recycling), but reject toxic raw materials. Keeping a materials inventory might help in this regard.
• Where possible, make arrangements with contractors and suppliers regarding the take-back or recycling of materials and components at end-of-life. Consider agreements on taking back traffic signs after signage modifications, recycling concrete slabs when bike lanes are replaced, etc. Agreements on residual value and recycling guarantees should ideally be stipulated in the contract.
• Where possible, give preference to biodegradable materials, such as for temporary structures along roadworks (e.g., barrier tape, temporary verge protection or anti-erosion mats). These materials can be disposed of after use without significant environmental impact.
• Work toward selective demolition so that non-reusable materials can be collected separately and then recycled in high-end applications. For example, when replacing a bridge, concrete elements can be crushed on site into aggregates for reuse in new infrastructure projects.