Welcome
Juliane Aleithe
On the extension to the Federal Environment Agency’s headquarters in Dessau
Markus Taubert, an employee of the Federal Environment Agency specialising in circular construction and the life-cycle assessment of building products
The extension was opened in 2023. It is designed as a net-zero energy building. What is less well known is that recycled concrete was also used in the construction components and building materials. This presentation will report on just how much ‘waste’ is actually incorporated into this flagship project for sustainable construction.
Presentation: “How recyclable are plasterboard panels?”
Jörg-Michael Bunzel, Mitteldeutsche Umwelt- und Entsorgung GmbH (MUEG)
As early as 2014, MUEG commissioned Germany’s first stationary processing plant for the high-quality material recycling of gypsum-containing waste. The aim is to at least significantly curb the increased demand for natural gypsum.
Film screening and discussion: The reuse of glass
Juliane Aleithe with Michael Gatzke, Magna Glaskeramik
Lecture: “Innovative mycelium-based materials from waste streams”
Marc Rüger and Abhilash Konda, Anhalt University of Applied Sciences, Köthen
In the InMyco research project, the Applied Biotechnology and Materialability (Design) research groups are collaborating to establish a mycotheque that demonstrates the potential of mycelium-based materials made from regional raw materials in Saxony-Anhalt and offers companies in the state new perspectives for future materials.
“Leaf-to-Root”
Urban Farm
We’ve all felt that sense of waste when carrot tops, kohlrabi leaves or radishes that have gone to seed end up as rubbish on the compost heap. “Leaf-to-Root” is the name of the concept, which emphasises that every part of a plant should be put to use – thereby conserving valuable resources.
Interaction: “Weaving in a Matchbox”
Introduction: Lena Kozik
“Textiles made from yarn scraps and dry toilets that turn into valuable humus”, a narrative with and about objects
Paula Holzhauser, designer, and Florian Augustin, Finizio
Group discussion: What is needed to turn waste into resources?
With Paula Holzhauser, Markus Taubert, Florian Augustin, Michael Gatzke, Marc Rüger
Moderator: Barbara Steiner
Recycling rates, new technologies and investments worth billions are intended to accelerate the transition to a circular economy. Waste management has now become a major economic factor. Social aspects, ecological goals, economic interests and geopolitical competitive pressures all converge here. What is needed to turn waste into resources? Or is what is needed, rather, a mindset and approach that avoids waste from the outset, uses resources sparingly and keeps them in circulation?
