Breakthrough in Construction Recycling
Hamburg Establishes Its Own Material Testing Institution
15.12.2025
Due to the increasing demand for the reuse of building components and the use of recycled construction materials in the construction sector, Hamburg has established an independent material testing institution. This institution is intended to test and certify the safety and quality requirements of the materials used, thereby making the reuse and recycling of building materials easier. Until now, there was no unified certification and testing body. An independent material testing institution simplifies approval processes, creates market transparency, ensures safety and reliability in planning and construction execution, and ultimately leads to greater climate protection and resource conservation. The initiative is supported by the three Hamburg scientific institutions Tutech Innovation GmbH (project management), Hamburg University of Technology (TU Hamburg), HafenCity University Hamburg (HCU), as well as the Authority for Urban Development and Housing of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg (BSW).
The construction industry is one of the most resource-, energy-, and waste-intensive sectors. Therefore, there is enormous potential for climate and resource protection in the reuse of materials. However, the reuse of building components and the use of recycled construction materials require tested safety and quality standards to enable safe and swift planning, approval, and construction with recycled materials. With its own recognized testing, monitoring, and certification body, Hamburg now aims to significantly facilitate and further promote the use of recycled building components and construction materials.
The tasks of the new material testing institution include, for example, testing the load-bearing capacity and quality of construction materials as well as assessing the fundamental reusability and suitability of used building components. It concerns the durability of recycled materials against environmental influences as well as proof of environmental compatibility. To increase legal certainty, legally binding test reports and recommendations for use will be produced. After the successful completion of the three-year pilot phase, supported by the Authority for Urban Development and Housing with 1.6 million euros, the permanent establishment and anchoring of the institution in Hamburg are planned, along with further expansion of capacities and services.
Karen Pein, Senator for Urban Development and Housing: “The resources used in the construction sector are too valuable to be consumed. Through the reuse of building components and the use of recycled construction materials, the construction industry makes an active contribution to climate protection and thus also to achieving Hamburg’s climate goals. Reliable framework conditions are needed for this. We are supporting the establishment of a material testing institution for sustainable construction in Hamburg with 1.6 million euros so that construction companies, planners, and project developers receive clear orientation and tested quality in material use. Together with Tutech, TU Hamburg, and HCU, we are thus supporting and accelerating the transformation towards climate-friendly, resource-conserving construction.”
Philipp Walter, Head of Research Management at Tutech Innovation GmbH: “With Material Testing Hamburg, we create reliability for planning, approval, and execution – and thus provide strong support for circular economy and climate protection in construction.”
Professor Dr.-Ing. Andreas Timm-Giel, President of TU Hamburg: “TU Hamburg stands for the development of sustainable work and construction materials. Together in partnership, we are developing strong expertise on material testing for sustainable construction with HCU and BSW. The economy and industry in the metropolitan region will benefit from this new institution. Our consistent approach of research from basics to application also in construction finds its continuation with the founding of this new institution. The successful networking in this field once again demonstrates how fruitful the cooperation of scientific institutions in Hamburg is.”
Prof. Dr. Jörg Müller-Lietzkow, President of HafenCity University HCU: "The establishment of an independent material testing institution is a milestone for the construction transformation in Hamburg. It not only creates trust in the quality of recycled building materials but also lays the foundation for reuse to become the standard rather than the exception. For HCU, this project represents the consistent integration of research, urban development, and social responsibility. Sustainable building is no longer a niche – it is the new normal. That we, as a university for architecture and metropolitan development, play a strategic here is both our ambition and our mandate."
About the Partners
The Authority for Urban Development and Housing sets the strategic framework of the project and supports it with 1.6 million euros until 2028. Tutech Innovation GmbH is responsible for project management and serves as an interface between science, business, and administration. The required expertise is anchored at Hamburg University of Technology (TU Hamburg) and HafenCity University Hamburg (HCU) in terms of material and construction competencies for testing and evaluation procedures as well as expertise in sustainable construction and urban research.
Press Inquiries
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Phone: +49 40 428 40 - 2051
Email: pressestelle@bsw.hamburg.de
Website: www.hamburg.de/bsw
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