Gravel and sand are non-recyclable resources extracted by open-cast mining at serious consequence to the landscape. The quarrying of raw materials presents a problem, when considering the protection of ground water. Therefore, the goal of the study was to demonstrate possibilities for the reduction of the use of gravel. The study is pursuing the following fundamental approaches:

• substitutes for gravel;
• substitutes for construction materials that contain gravel;
• organizational and structural changes
  (e.g. in design and construction of buildings; recycling of building rubble).

Various strategies for these approaches have been demonstrated and suggestions for support have been made. The work has been rounded off with advice for environmentally sound gravel quarrying and for the sustainable use of gravel pits in accordance with Agenda-21.
 

Study in German:

“Strategien zur Verminderung des Kiesverbrauchs: Rohstoffersatz, Baustoffersatz, organisatorische und strukturelle Änderungen” (Strategies for reducing the use of gravel: substitution of raw material and construction material; organizational and structural changes). Unpublished study. 2000.