Sand appears abundant but is facing global shortages, driven mainly by construction and concrete. The RECONMATIC project helps address this by improving demolition waste quality through automated sorting, enabling recycled aggregates to replace part of natural sand. To scale adoption, the industry needs clearer standards, transparent regulation, and a stronger circular economy.

The forum was organized by the China Building Materials Federation and drew nearly 300 government officials, experts, and business representatives from countries including China, the UK, Germany, Canada, Japan and France. Attendees shared insights on advanced carbon reduction strategies, technical pathways, and practical achievements, and had the opportunity to visit China’s carbon capture demonstration projects.

In Beijing’s extreme climate, Yizhuang X88 Kindergarten uses passive design to cut energy use and emissions.