German Demolition Association calls on new government to take action on industry challenges

The association emphasised that the demolition sector faces challenges such as overly complex approval processes, an ageing infrastructure, and burdensome regulations.

The DA aims to draw attention to these issues and encourage policymakers to adopt measures to simplify processes and support the industry.

The DA highlighted the importance of efficient large-capacity and heavy-duty transport systems for the demolition industry, which relies on the movement of heavy machinery like excavators and cranes to construction sites.

According to the DA, “The overly complicated and sometimes unnecessary approval procedures for heavy transport make the industry inflexible, leading to construction delays and increased costs.”

Germany’s ageing infrastructure of roads, bridges, and railways further exacerbates the issue. The association is calling for infrastructure upgrades, streamlined approval procedures, and an increase in the hearing exemption limit for transport to a total mass of 44 tonnes.

The demolition industry also has the capacity to recycle materials through non-destructive dismantling techniques, contributing to resource conservation and reduced emissions. However, the DA expressed concerns that current legal requirements, such as those under the Substitute Building Materials Ordinance (EBV), hinder the economic feasibility of producing and using secondary building materials.

“The propagated political will for more circular economy - also in construction - must be implemented through sensible laws,” the DA stated. It is advocating for public procurement policies to prioritise secondary building materials and for mineral substitute materials to be classified as products rather than waste.

The association criticised the growing number of laws and documentation requirements imposed by the EU, federal, and state governments, which it says increase project costs and slow down the construction industry. It is calling for the harmonisation of existing laws, the removal of outdated regulations, and the avoidance of redundant requirements when passing new legislation.

A significant shortage of skilled workers remains a pressing issue for the sector, which is compounded by the physically demanding nature of the work and outdoor conditions. The DA emphasised the industry’s reliance on foreign skilled and trainable workers, including refugees, and called for faster and less bureaucratic work permit processes.

Asbestos contamination also remains a concern for buildings constructed before 1993 in Germany. The DA underscored the importance of pollutant investigations during the planning phase of demolition projects to protect workers and ensure the proper disposal of hazardous materials. It proposed reinstating the obligation for building owners to investigate potential asbestos contamination under the Hazardous Substances Ordinance.