Environmental Impacts and Benefits of the End-of-Life of Building Materials: Database to Support Decision Making and Contribute to Circularity

Ana Antunes,Hugo Costa,Ricardo Martins,Ricardo Do Carmo,José Dinis Silvestre,Pedro Pedroso,Eduardo Júlio

doi:10.3390/su132212659

Ana Antunes, Hugo Costa + Show 5 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/su132212659

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Abstract

This paper outlines a methodology for structuring a generic database of environmental impacts on the end-of-life phase of buildings, which can be used at the national level, in accordance with European standards. A number of different options are also considered for managing construction and demolition waste (CDW), as well as for promoting the circularity of materials in construction. The database structure has been developed for use by the main stakeholders who decide the disposal scenario for the main CDW flows, assess waste management plans, and identify the corresponding environmental aspects. The impact categories considered in this paper are global warming potential (GWP) and the abiotic depletion potential of fossil fuels (ADP (f.f.)). This lifecycle assessment (LCA) database further facilitates the identification of important information, such as possible treatments for CDW, or suppliers of recycled materials for use in new construction. Two demolition case studies were used to confirm the benefits of the proposed database. Two demolition scenarios are assessed—traditional and selective—in order to demonstrate the advantage of selective demolition in waste management. The results obtained from the environmental assessment of CDW flows demonstrate that the proposed database can be an important and useful tool for decision making about the end-of-life of construction materials, as it is designed to maximize their reuse and recycling. An innovative online platform can be created based on this database, contributing to the reduction of the environmental impacts associated with the end-of-life phase of buildings.

Highlights

This paper outlines a methodology for structuring a generic database of environmental impacts on the end-of-life phase of buildings, which can be used at the national level, in accordance with European standards
Several databases for the calculation of an lifecycle assessment (LCA) for buildings are in use, but none are exclusively focused on the assessment of the environmental impacts of construction and demolition waste (CDW) at the end-of-life phase of buildings
The methodology proposed within this paper for the development of such a database relies on the concept of the circular economy, with the aim of contributing to the valorization of CDW and the prevention of the depletion of natural resources: these both reduce the environmental impacts associated with the end-of-life phase of buildings

Summary

Introduction

This paper outlines a methodology for structuring a generic database of environmental impacts on the end-of-life phase of buildings, which can be used at the national level, in accordance with European standards. The impact categories considered in this paper are global warming potential (GWP) and the abiotic depletion potential of fossil fuels (ADP (f.f.)) This lifecycle assessment (LCA) database further facilitates the identification of important information, such as possible treatments for CDW, or suppliers of recycled materials for use in new construction. Sustainability 2021, 13, 12659 and recycling, and for improving and transforming waste management into sustainable materials management [8] Such treatment at the end-of-life phase of buildings of the materials that can be recovered promotes a circular economy in the construction sector, a more efficient use of natural resources, and the reduction of waste generation [9]. Many LCA studies have been undertaken, but most do not include an in-depth analysis of the end-of-life phase

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