Düren is becoming a model municipality for urban mining and sustainability!

Düren is becoming a model municipality for urban mining and sustainability!

Exciting things are happening in the Düren Innovation Quarter (IQD). The IQD not only stands for innovative architecture, but also for a harmonious combination of environmental protection and economic efficiency. In this context, the concept of “urban mining” is becoming increasingly important. The focus is not only on new materials, but also on the recovery and reuse of existing resources. This approach is intended not only to avoid waste, but also to help conserve natural resources, as [Federal Environment Agency] reports.

A current example of urban mining can be found at the Brückenkopflager on Josef-Schregel-Straße, where the Düren city administration is pushing forward the recovery of clinker bricks for the railway embankment. After the dismantling of an old building on the railway bridge, it turned out that the required clinker bricks were no longer available. But the city had a clever plan: near the old bike station at the southern exit of the train station, they found suitable clinker bricks that had previously been used for walls and retaining walls. These are now to be reused after demolition - a decision that is not only ecologically sustainable, but also has a positive impact, as Mayor Frank Peter Ullrich emphasizes.

Urban mining in focus

Urban mining is more than just a trend; it is a forward-looking concept that aims to recognize the value of existing materials and use them efficiently. Under urban mining, various materials such as concrete, brick, steel, wood and plastics are considered resources that deserve to be reused or recycled. The idea behind it: Materials in urban areas can often be found in higher concentration and quality than in natural deposits, which makes sense not only ecologically but also economically, as [Forum Verlag] states.

One of the advantages of urban mining is the short transport distance within cities. This not only reduces transport costs, but also the emissions that would arise from traditional mining methods. Since Germany is dependent on imports for many raw materials, urban mining could help to secure its own supply of raw materials and reduce its dependence on imports.

The challenges of urban mining

However, there are challenges to be overcome in urban mining. The dynamics of material stocks, influenced by the residence times of long-lasting products, represent a major challenge. The identification and development of resources are complex and require a comprehensive framework for action. Questions such as: “Where are the warehouses?”, “What materials are included?” or “When will the materials be available?” must be answered in order to successfully close the material cycles, according to the [Federal Environment Agency].

This strategic approach is encouraged not only by increasing awareness of sustainability, but also by new environmental regulations. The trend is clearly towards circular construction, where waste is minimized and materials are reused, which represents a win-win situation for the environment and the economy.

The visual effect of the newly installed clinker bricks is perceived as positive for the underpass towards the train station, even if there are still color differences at the moment, but these will be adjusted. Urban mining is not only an ecological but also an aesthetic benefit for the city of Düren.

For interested citizens, there is information on the website www.innovationsquartier-dueren.de further exciting information about the projects and goals of the Innovation Quarter. Düren proves that sustainability and contemporary urban development can go hand in hand and is thus setting an example for other cities.