Region Sud Stakeholders' meeting #3

Region SUD hold its third stakeholder meeting on 3 July 2024. Representatives from 6 organizations (Valobat, Eurovia, Arcelor-Mittal, Grand Avignon, Neo Eco, Groupe Gagneraud) discussed ongoing activities, with additional exchanges held on the sidelines with certain actors to identify best practices (Euroméditerranée, FRTP, Filiater).

Recap of the Learning Days in Slovenia

Representatives from the South Region and two stakeholders (from NEO ECO and from GAGNERAUD) joined the TLJ#2 in Slovenia to discover innovative reuse and recycling practices and to exchange ideas with European counterparts. They shared their feedback and take-away with the other participants of the meeting.

Selection of Good Practices for Region SUD

The Region SUD engaged with its stakeholders and identify several regional good practices that could be integrated into INERTWASTE:

• Deconstruction and Reconstruction in Six-Fours-Les-Plages (France): This project (presented during TLJ#2) involves deconstructing and then reconstructing a school and a gymnasium by reusing inert waste. The materials were carefully sorted and reused, fully integrating circular economy principles into the project management.
• Redevelopment of the Menudelle Quarries in Fos-sur-Mer (France): this initiative (also presented during TLJ#2) garnered significant interest, particularly from the Navarre region. The project aims to restore sub-steppe grasslands using inert waste and former agricultural soils.
• Charleval Health Center (France): Currently under development, this practice focuses on the use of compressed earth blocks and natural concrete, made with geo-sourced materials on-site. This innovative approach contributes to sustainability and the circular economy in construction.
• Eurovia / Mat'ild Circular Economy Project (France): this practice will focus on the company's overall strategy to maximize the recycling of inert waste and promote the circular economy.
• Industrial and Territorial Ecology in Grand Avignon (France): This developing initiative aims to create synergies between construction sites for the reuse of materials, thus supporting the circular economy on a territorial scale.
• Euroméditerranée – Reuse and Circular Economy in the Development of the City of Marseille (France): This practice highlights initiatives such as the Jardin des Fabriques and the reuse platform.
• ECOCEM / ARCELOR MITTAL: This project focuses on the production of low-carbon cement and concrete from steel slag, with examples of concrete construction incorporating recycled materials.

Preparation for TLJ#3

Region SUD will host the TLJ#3, on 9-10 October in Marseille. The main theme will be: "How to Promote and Support the Integration of the Circular Economy in Construction Contracts for Better Waste Management?".

The first day will include presentations and discussions among participants while on the second day, participants will visit industrial sites near Marseille, including a sorting center in Gardanne and a slag treatment site in Fos-sur-Mer, offering a concrete perspective on the valorization of inert waste in the region.

Analysis of Local Regulations and Optimization of Regional Policy Instruments

For the next phase of the project, two main areas will be further explored with the support of stakeholders:

1. Analysis of Local Regulations: The differences in regulations between partner countries need to be better understood to adapt best practices to local contexts. This analysis will help identify potential regulatory barriers and propose adjustments to facilitate the adoption of circular practices.
2. Optimization of Regional Policy Instruments: It will be crucial to identify how existing policy instruments can be used or influenced to promote the adoption of best practices at the regional level. Discussions will continue around these themes at upcoming stakeholder meetings, with particular attention to adapting project best practices to local needs and mobilizing regional actors.

Conclusion: Toward European Collaboration in Action

The third stakeholder meeting in the Region SUD marked another step forward in the INERTWASTE project, highlighting the importance of transnational collaboration to address environmental challenges. The discussions allowed for a review of the progress of the INERTWASTE project, the sharing of best practices, and the enthusiastic and determined preparation for the next steps.

The INERTWASTE project continues to progress, driven by the commitment of partners and the exchange of expertise between European regions. Through the combined efforts of local and European actors, concrete actions are being implemented for more sustainable inert waste management. These initiatives are essential for improving regional public policies and promoting the circular economy across Europe. The partners are determined to continue this collaborative work, exploring new solutions and adapting best practices to the specific needs of each territory.