Holcim highlighted Mexico City’s leadership in the use of Construction Demolition Materials (CDM).

What are CDM? Materials generated during construction, renovation or demolition activities of houses, buildings, infrastructure and other structures. 

Construction Demolition Materials

Mexico City has introduced the country’s first circular construction standard that allows the use of up to 20% recycled aggregates in certain concretes. 

“The city is now the most advanced in the region in CDM, and Holcim Mexico has launched ECOCycle in the country and is actively processing, shredding and reusing CDM,” Holcim said. 

Holcim has 65,000 employees. The company offers sustainable materials such as ECOPact and ECOPlanet. It also develops circular technology with ECOCycle and Elevate roofing and insulation systems. 

Holcim has more than 150 projects underway to offer the widest range of sustainable solutions, from calcined clay to CDM.

Mexico City’s Circular Economy Law states that the population should, as far as possible, prioritize the reuse, repair, refurbishment, remanufacturing and recycling of products over their final disposal.

The Mexico City Solid Waste Law requires individuals or legal entities to have an agreement or contract in force with a construction and demolition waste recycling plant that guarantees the recycling of the waste generated in their production processes.

Recycling

El Salvador is recycling disused electricity poles into aggregates for concrete production, while Holcim is replacing natural gypsum with waste gypsum from local industries in Ecuador. 

In turn, Holcim Colombia has launched an ECOPlanet cement that uses steel slag to reduce its carbon footprint by 32% compared to standard products.

Some of CDM’s materials are:

• Concrete.
• Rubble.
• Wood. 
• Asphalt.
• Roof tiles.
• Steel.
• Bricks.
• Glass.
• Plastic.
• Ceramics.

Proper management of construction and demolition materials is key to reducing environmental impact.