ABSTRACT
Geological conditions determine the availability of construction materials in the Netherlands. This chapter outlines the policy on construction materials of the Dutch Government and its objectives and gives special attention to alternative construction materials and recycling. Gravel that can economically be used for concrete production is confined to the Province of Limburg in the southeastern part of the Netherlands. Recyclable waste can also be considered as a potential resource. The use of offshore construction materials will be promoted. Agreements between various ministries, provinces and the construction industry have been signed to promote more economical use and recycling. Sand that is to be used for landfill or for raising the land surface needs to meet less stringent requirements than ‘concrete and mortar sand’. The current policy is to promote the use of fill sand extracted from the Dutch sector of the North Sea, especially in the very densely populated western provinces.
