Innovative concepts in re-use of brownfields - risk management

The remediation of derelict sites is a result of the structural changes taking place in Germany, which is leading away from the coal, iron and steel industries towards a service-orientated economy. It is not only useful to reactivate the potential of derelict sites from the point of view of ecology – the sites are often in central or highly desirable positions with an established infrastructure and communications network. This can be an important factor when presenting the advantages of new projects from an economic viewpoint. Despite the fact that EU funding programs are coming to an end, the remediation of derelict sites will continue, particularly in the highly-populated Ruhr region. Local district councils are keen to establish new trading estates to take the place of the heavy industry which has been lost, in order to maintain their numbers of inhabitants, to prevent the need to make social security payments and to sustain levels of tax income. However, innovative, low-cost solutions are needed in order to enable the redevelopment of old industrial sites into revitalised, self-sufficient economic units, as proceeds from and the value of land in this region are strictly limited.

• 1. FOREWORD

• 2. INITIAL SITUATION

• 3. TASK

• 4. INNOVATIONS

• 5. SUMMARY