The use of recycled materials in construction has become one of the main strategies to reduce the environmental impact of the sector. At a time when sustainability is more than a trend, this practice makes it possible to move towards a circular economy without sacrificing the quality and structural safety of the works.
At CHM Works and InfrastructuresWe are committed to integrating these resources in all phases of the construction process, reducing pressure on natural resources and minimizing the ecological footprint of our projects.
What do we mean by the use of recycled materials in construction?
The following are considered recycled materials those that come from the reuse of construction and demolition waste (CDW), as well as by-products of industrial processes. These can be used as raw materials in new projects, without compromising the quality and durability of the final infrastructure.
Among the most common are:
- Recycled aggregates (from concrete, asphalt or other CDW).
- Treated recycled wood.
- Reused technical plastics.
- Recycled steel and recovered metal alloys.
- Industrial by-products such as steel slag or fly ash.
Advantages of using recycled materials in the construction industry
Environmental benefits
- Reduced consumption of virgin raw materials.
- Reduced waste generation and need for landfills.
- Decrease in CO₂ emissions.
- Direct contribution to SDGs 12, 13 and 15.
Technical advantages
The use of recycled materials in construction is backed by technical studies that demonstrate its mechanical effectiveness in pavements, stabilized bases and bituminous mixtures. At CHM, these materials are a regular part of our urbanization, paving and regeneration of degraded areas.
Savings and efficiency
- Reduction of transportation and waste management costs.
- Optimization of the life cycle of materials.
- Better scores in sustainable tenders.
How does CHM apply the use of recycled materials?
At CHM, sustainability is an essential part of our strategic vision. For this reason, we incorporate the use of recycled materials in construction in different types of projects:
- Recycled aggregates in pavements and sub-bases according to PG-3.
- Asphalts with recycled content for higher thermal performance.
- Urban elements and furniture with reused wood and polymers.
- Own collection centers for treatment and recovery of construction and demolition waste.
Quality assurance and standards
The use of recycled materials in construction is carried out under strict technical and regulatory criteriathey ensure:
- Quality tests in accredited laboratories.
- Compliance with UNE standards (933, 13242, etc.).
- Follow-up of traceability and approved suppliers.
- Evaluation of the environmental impact associated with each material.
Innovation and future: circular economy in public works
CHM promotes the circular economy in construction through projects that integrate recycling, reuse and efficiency. Among them:
- Use of cold asphalts with recycled materials.
- Use of plastic waste as a base for pavements.
These solutions not only reduce environmental impact, but also demonstrate the technical feasibility of cleaner, more efficient and responsible construction.
The use of recycled materials in construction not only responds to an urgent environmental need, but also represents a real transformation in the way infrastructure is conceived. The transition to a more efficient, circular and low-emission construction model is not an option, but an imperative if we want to preserve the planet's resources and ensure a viable future for generations to come.
From a technical point of view, research and experience accumulated in recent decades have shown that many recycled materials offer mechanical and structural performance perfectly comparable to that of their traditional counterparts. In fact, when properly integrated into the project design, they can even improve certain sustainability parameters, such as thermal reflectance of pavements, soil permeability or insulation capacity.
At CHMWe are aware that innovation is not only measured in technology, but also in responsibility. Therefore, we do not wait for standards to evolve, but anticipate them. Our commitment to recycled materials is a direct way of reducing the emissions associated with transportation, raw material extraction and industrial processes. But it is also a way of working, of leading the way towards a sector that is more committed and more aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.
At the operational level, we work with approved suppliers, accredited laboratories and our own technical teams that guarantee the viability and performance of these recycled materials. In each project, we carefully evaluate the points where their use is not only possible, but advisable, from a technical, economic and environmental point of view. In addition, we promote the complete traceability of the recovered waste, closing the circle from its origin to its new application.
Beyond the direct impact on the life cycle of materials, this commitment adds educational value and commitment to society. Through our projects, we demonstrate that another way of building is possible: more respectful of the environment, more conscious and more participatory. And it is not just about large projects: every sidewalk, every road, every stretch of road rehabilitated with recycled aggregates is an opportunity to reduce our footprint and generate environmental and social value.
That's why we don't just build infrastructure. At CHM, we build trust, consistency and commitment. Every time we opt for a recycled material, we are preventing waste from ending up in landfills, reducing emissions and demonstrating that sustainability and engineering are not only compatible, but complementary.
In short, integrating the use of recycled materials in construction is not simply a technical innovation: it is a statement of intent. It is about designing cleaner infrastructures, more resilient cities and a development model that looks to the long term. Because we know that true sustainability is not proclaimed: it is built, day by day, project by project.
Recycling of materials is also present in the infrastructure maintenance.
