Stimulating the use of secondary materials in the construction industry : the role of certification

Introduction of secondary materials in the construction industry is quite difficult and has not always been successful, even when they satisfy all necessary product demands and environmental (leaching) conditions. Besides the financial and commercial aspects the main problem is convincing the user or customer that the secondary material is a safe and reliable alternative for primary materials. The best way to deal with this problem is by certification of the secondary material. Optimal results can be expected when authorities and both suppliers and users of the new type of material closely collaborate. This can be achieved by mutual consulting in regard to technical aspects and their demands concerning the product. Collaboration between suppliers enables joint investments in order to obtain certification and to enhance the knowledge about their product. This collaboration will also stimulate the consideration that the supplier is a good and reliable trading partner for the user