In addition to its immense importance to the German economy, construction is one of the key sectors when it comes to achieving climate and recycling objectives. The central idea behind establishing our network is to assess the potential for using renewable resources and recyclable materials in construction materials, structures and whole buildings.

The key focuses of the network range from the development of new materials, to innovative hybrid constructions and resource-efficient buildings. Above all, the central issue for the network is the replacement of building materials that are non-recyclable or difficult to recycle. One particular aim of these new developments will be to facilitate closed-loop material cycle construction and avoid non-recyclable waste.

In the construction industry, lightweight metal construction is understood as the use of thin-walled components made primarily from steel and aluminum. Lightweight metal construction helps to save resources and make building materials more recyclable through lightweight designs, while at the same time preserving and expanding functionality.

Lightweight metal construction is now among the most sustainable forms of construction. On the one hand, metal is 100% recyclable. On the other, the thin, edged metal panels provide maximum strength along with low material consumption.

The ultimate goal of the network is to replace non-recyclable construction materials with construction materials made from renewable resources.

This cooperative network is being promoted by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) as part of its ZIM program, with assistance from Jöckel Innovation Consulting GmbH for network management.