Launch of the project to recover excavated earth and sediment in Hauts-de-France: a step forward for the circular economy of the construction industry

In response to environmental challenges and construction waste management issues, the Hauts-de-France region and Neo-Eco are launching an ambitious project to recover excavated soil and sediment from the region. This project, supported by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), is fully aligned with ecological transition policies and aims to transform these materials into resources for the construction sector.

Using an innovative scientific and technical approach, our goal is to optimize the reuse of materials from major infrastructure and land-use projects by developing high-performance and replicable eco-materials.

A strategic project for the circular economy of the construction industry

The construction sector is the largest producer of waste in Hauts-de-France, accounting for over 65% of regional waste. Every year, infrastructure projects generate millions of tons of soil and sediment, a significant portion of which remains underutilized.

Faced with the scarcity of natural resources and increasingly strict regulations (LTECV, national targets for 70% waste recovery by 2025), it is becoming imperative to develop sustainable alternatives.

The objectives are set!

• With this collaboration, we aim to structure local recovery sectors and reduce the storage of excavated materials by finding outlets for them in the construction and public works industry.

• Transforming excavated material into eco-products: Validating recovery pathways to integrate these materials into new applications.

• Limiting raw material extraction: Reducing the environmental footprint of construction by substituting natural materials with recycled resources.

• Reducing waste storage: Giving a second life to excavated soil and sediment to avoid landfilling and optimize their management.

• Stimulating the local economy: Creating economic opportunities and jobs in the circular economy and reuse sectors.

• Creating a replicable model: Testing a methodology that can be replicated on other large-scale projects in Hauts-de-France, and even in France and Europe.

A project supported by the European Union 🇪🇺

This project receives funding from the ERDF, with a maximum grant of €2,026,073, calculated based on a total eligible expenditure of €3,376,789 excluding VAT.

This European support allows us to strengthen our team, accelerate project implementation, and test innovative solutions with a significant environmental and economic impact on the region.

This strong signal demonstrates the European Union's commitment to accelerating the construction sector's transition to a more sustainable and resilient model.

Our methodology to validate this approach

To achieve these objectives, we implement a proven methodology divided into two phases:

Phase 1: Analysis & Characterization

• Study the composition of excavated materials through sampling and technical and environmental analyses.

• Identify the best recovery pathways adapted to local materials.

Phase 2: Development of eco-materials

• Develop formulations incorporating recycled materials while guaranteeing their mechanical performance and environmental safety.

• Validate standards and certifications to ensure their integration into future construction projects.

• Evaluate their technical and environmental impact to validate the viability of the approach.

A collaborative and reegional approach

Neo-Eco relies on an ecosystem of local and national stakeholders to structure this recovery sector:

• Local authorities and infrastructure managers, involved in excavated material management and land use planning thanks to the Hauts-de-France region.

• Our scientific and research partners, IMT Nord-Europe and Cd2E, who monitor and validate the innovations developed.

True to our commitments, this project is part of a global effort to reduce the environmental footprint of the construction industry by developing sustainable alternatives to traditional practices.

By structuring local and efficient recovery sectors, we will demonstrate that the transition to a more circular model is possible and can benefit the entire region!

To be continued: we will regularly share the project's progress and the initial results of this experiment!

This project is co-financed by the European Union 🇪🇺