These awards are designed to recognise and celebrate the outstanding contributions of students in the fields of architecture, engineering, and other technical disciplines, particularly those related to the crucial areas of demolition, decontamination, and recycling (DDR) within the circular economy framework.

The EDA’a Circular Economy Awards aim to bring visibility to projects that demonstrate innovation, and also emphasise the importance of sustainable practices in our industry. By publicising these student projects, the EDA seeks to highlight the critical role that DDR activities play in advancing the principles of the circular economy. Through this initiative, we aim to bridge the gap between academia and the professional world, fostering a new generation of professionals who are equipped to lead the DDR industry into a sustainable future.

One of the unique aspects of the Circular Economy Awards is the encouragement for each participating country to organise an internal competition, much like the format of the Eurovision Song Contest. This approach allows each nation to showcase the best of its young talent, with the top project from each country being nominated for the awards. This not only promotes healthy competition but also ensures the highest quality, reflecting the best ideas and innovations in Europe.

The Circular Economy Awards also provides a platform to publicise new projects and promote the trade, making the DDR industries more attractive to students and new professionals. This is particularly important in an era where attracting fresh talent to the sector is crucial for its continued growth and evolution.

Demolition, decontamination, and recycling are not just about the responsible disposal of materials; they are about creating a sustainable loop where resources are reused, repurposed, and reintegrated into the economy. By recognising and rewarding projects, the EDA hopes to inspire a new wave of innovation and sustainability in the industry, serving as a platform for exchanging information and ideas. 

With this column I invite all the DDR companies in Europe to keep their eyes on the students and on the projects presented at the Circular Economy Awards. This is more than just a recognition of excellence; the awards mark a call to action for the next generation of professionals to lead the way in sustainable DDR practices. I also encourage students and educational institutions across Europe to participate in this initiative to showcase their innovative projects, and to contribute to the future of the DDR industry. Together, we can build a more sustainable and circular economy for the generations to come.

About EDA

The EDA was founded in 1978 and is the leading platform for national demolition associations, demolition contractors and suppliers. The EDA has a strong focus on developments in Europe, which are of interest to the demolition industry.