Germany's new National Circular Economy Strategy (NCES), or Nationale Kreislaufwirtschaftsstrategie (NKWS), unveiled in 2024, aims to transform the country's economic and environmental framework by focusing on resource efficiency, reducing waste, and boosting sustainable growth. The strategy is designed to position Germany as a leader in circular economy practices, aligning with broader European Union goals, such as those set out in the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) and the EU’s Green Deal.



One of the NCES's primary objectives is to halve Germany's per capita raw material consumption by 2045, reducing it from the current 15 tonnes to around 8 tonnes. By 2030, Germany also aims to double the share of recycled or "circular" materials used across industries and reduce municipal waste by 10%.



Key initiatives include improving recycling, enhancing digital tools like the Digital Product Passport to ensure transparency in the product lifecycle, and fostering innovation in sectors like construction, automotive, and electronics. The NCES also emphasises the importance of developing new technologies and circular business models that minimise waste and extend product lifespans.



The strategy is not just about environmental impact; it also focuses on economic resilience. By reducing dependency on imported raw materials, particularly critical ones, the NCES aims to strengthen Germany's supply chain security. Furthermore, the plan integrates cooperation with international partners, as seen in Germany's collaboration with China on circular economy policies.



In line with this strategic shift, the WWF, together with 20 companies and organisations, has endorsed a discussion paper advocating for building preservation (Bestandserhalt) as a critical component of Germany’s climate strategy. Stefanie Weidner of Werner Sobek, one of the signatories, emphasises that reusing existing buildings can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 60% compared to demolition and new construction. "We see it as our task to design a sustainable environment, which includes making the best possible use of the existing building stock," Dr. Ing. Weidner notes, highlighting the environmental and economic benefits of building refurbishment.

Sources:

Read the Summary of the Draft of the National Circular Economy Strategy (NCES) here (English): https://dialog-nkws.de/bmuv/de/home/file/fileId/291/name/NKWS_NCES_Draft_Summary_June 2024.pdf

or the full draft here (German): https://www.bmuv.de/fileadmin/Daten_BMU/Download_PDF/Abfallwirtschaft/nkws_entwurf_bf.pdf

Read the WWF paper here (German): https://www.wernersobek.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Diskussionspapier-NKWS-Bestandserhalt.pdf