New legal requirements for selective demolition: The construction industry is facing a paradigm shift from 1 July 2025

The rules mark a significant change in the management of construction and demolition waste (CDW) and impose considerable new obligations on building owners, consultants and demolition businesses. The purpose is to promote a circular economy, increase the reuse and recycling of building materials and ensure more environmentally sound management of problematic substances.

What do the new rules entail?

The new rules mean that any demolition of buildings involving the removal of a total floor area of 250 square metres or more must be carried out as selective demolition. Consequently, all materials must be mapped, separated and sorted during dismantling so that they can be reused or recycled as close to their original function as possible. Moreover, materials containing problematic substances, such as asbestos, PCBs and PFAS, must be identified and sorted in order to be disposed of properly.

New roles, authorisation requirements and demolition plans

The rules on selective demolition impose increased liability on building owners. It becomes mandatory to appoint an authorised environment and resource coordinator to ensure that a demolition plan is prepared and complied with. The environment and resource coordinator must have completed special training and can be employed by the building owner or the demolition business or engaged as an external consultant. The demolition work itself must also be carried out by an authorised demolition business that has implemented a quality management system and assigned a resource manager who has received the relevant training.

Prior to demolition, a standardised demolition plan must be prepared, which must include, among other things, detailed mapping of the materials of the building to be demolished, a plan for management of waste and recycling and identification of environmentally hazardous substances. The plan must be submitted to and approved by the municipal council no later than three weeks before any demolition works begin. The municipality will therefore play a central role in monitoring compliance with the rules and can compare the expected waste quantities with the actual quantities.

Increased penalties and liability

Non-compliance with the new requirements may result in significant penalties. Commencing demolition without an authorisation or an approved demolition plan becomes a criminal offence punishable by fine or, in serious cases, imprisonment. The building owner has the overall responsibility for compliance with all requirements and must ensure that all parties involved are properly trained and authorised.

Future perspectives and consequences for the industry

Although the new rules initially apply to the total demolition of buildings of more than 250 square metres, the legislation provides authority for the requirements to be extended later to apply to minor buildings, major renovation and construction works involving removal of considerable quantities of materials. Therefore, the stage is set for selective demolition to become a permanent and key part of the green transition of the construction industry.

The new requirements will result in significant changes in the construction industry. Building owners and contractors will have to invest in new skills, update their contractual basis and ensure early involvement of all relevant players in the planning process. Moreover, it is expected that the value of recycled materials will increase and that new business models and digital platforms for building material exchange will gain ground.

Advice and preparation

It is recommended that all players in the construction industry already now prepare for the new requirements by upskilling employees, commencing cooperation with authorised demolition businesses and incorporating the new requirements into tender documents and contracts. Early and thorough resource mapping will not only ensure regulatory compliance but also generate economic and environmental benefits.

The new rules on selective demolition mark a paradigm shift for the construction industry and impose stricter requirements on all stages of the demolition process. With increased focus on recycling, circular economy and environmental responsibility, it will be crucial for building owners and contractors to adapt to the new framework – both to avoid penalties and to contribute actively to the green transition.

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Bruun & Hjejle follows the developments in the industry closely. We have in-depth knowledge of and extensive experience in advising both Danish and international players in the construction industry on sustainable construction. If your company needs any advice, or if you have any questions about this newsletter, please contact us.