Denmark’s construction industry demands urgent raw materials strategy in next government plan

A new Danish government must make a national strategy for securing sand, gravel, and stone a “top priority” in its policy platform, industry leaders and regional authorities warn, as delays threaten critical infrastructure projects and climate goals.

According to a report by Danish broadcaster DR, trade associations, regional councils, and a maritime think tank are pressing political parties to include a concrete raw materials plan in the upcoming government agreement. The call comes after years of unfulfilled promises from successive administrations.

“Our politicians want to build and invest in society—barracks, hospitals, energy islands—but you can’t do that with money alone,” said Bjarke Fjeldsted, head of construction and infrastructure at industry group DI Byggeri. “You also need sand, gravel, and stone, and unfortunately, Denmark is no longer self-sufficient.”

Data from the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland (GEUS) shows the average Dane consumes one kilogram of sand or gravel per hour—roughly six tons annually. With demand projected to rise over 50% by 2040, driven by projects like district heating expansion, highways, and railways, industry groups warn of economic and environmental consequences if supplies aren’t secured.

Imports and transport costs threaten climate targets

Since 2010, marine extraction of raw materials has more than doubled, yet Denmark still relies on costly imports transported by road and sea. DI Byggeri estimates that importing sand, gravel, and stone could increase transport-related CO₂ emissions by 40%, with societal costs reaching 10–15 billion kroner (€1.3–2 billion) for planned projects alone.

“If we have to import these materials, it’s bad for both the economy and the climate,” Fjeldsted said, adding that recycled demolition waste currently falls far short of meeting demand.

Calls for incentives and circular economy measures

Camilla Hove Lund (Venstre), chair of the climate and environment committee at Danske Regioner, urged the next government to prioritize a strategy that includes compensation for noise and dust near quarries, alongside taxes on new materials to boost recycling.

“Right now, we’re very good at using virgin raw materials—those we dig up—but there are no incentives to reuse more. That has to change,” she said, emphasizing that demolition debris must be recycled “to a much greater extent.”

While a raw materials strategy was included in the 2022 government platform, progress has stalled. The outgoing environment minister, Magnus Heunicke (Social Democrats), did not respond to DR’s request for comment by deadline.

Industry groups stress that a national strategy must balance extraction, recycling, and environmental protection to avoid shortages that could derail infrastructure and green transition projects.