Embracing sustainability, innovation, and skilled labor in 2025

The EDA Think Tank 2024 in Brussels. (PHOTO: EDA)

This new year represents a new opportunity for the sector, a chance to improve on what was left over from last year, but also to look forward to new opportunities.

Undoubtedly, we will see a major focus on sustainability, with a rise in green demolition practices. The shift towards eco-friendly demolition methods will be essential for companies to comply with the European Union’s tightening waste management and carbon emission standards.

In this regard, the European Demolition Association is involved with the European Commission’s initiative that aims to define the End-of-waste criteria for mineral construction and demolition waste, so this year is meant to be a key year for preparing the technical proposal by June 2026 that could be converted to legislation by 2027.

Also, on October 9th, 2024, we launched the EDA Think Tank 2024, which took place in Brussels and explored the latest advancements in construction and demolition (C&D) waste management and pre-demolition audits.

Additionally, we must be aware of the power of technology, which will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of demolition, and this year is set to be crucial in this regard.

But, despite this profitable technological future that opens to us, the sector will also face some challenges, such as a shortage of skilled labor.

Bearing this in mind, it is essential to be specially focused on increasing the investment in training and apprenticeship programs, in order to attract young workers and bridge the skills gap.

A call to action in the European context comes precisely from the European Commission’s publication of an action plan on labor and skills shortages on March 20, 2024.

It gives me personal satisfaction to admit that following the European guidelines, EDA is once again committed to the dissemination of knowledge and the creation of attractive content and events for young people.

On one hand, we firmly believe that the possibilities that this year is going to offer us are widely important, as we have this year the Annual Convention, which is going to be held from June 12th to 14th, 2025 in my country, Italy.

It will bring together professionals from all over the world and represents an attractive event in our industry for approaching young people, so I invite you to assist and exchange points of view.

On the other hand, looking back to 2024, our Working Group on Education has been very useful in shedding light on this term too. And now, I can finally advance that a new guide will be available soon.

In conclusion, together, through innovation, education, and collaboration, this 2025 we can pave the way toward a more resilient and prosperous future for our sector and beyond.

Stefano Panseri

EDA President