Reducing the environmental impact of the end-of-life of buildings depending on interrelated demolition strategies, transport distances and disposal scenarios

Abstract

Construction and demolition waste (CDW) represents a high environmental impact. This is strongly related to the chosen alternatives for the disposal of these waste. In this paper, different strategies are analysed in order to achieve the most eco-friendly path for the treatment of the CDW, in order to promote both the reduction of environmental impact and the implementation of the circular economy in the construction sector. For each defined strategy and for each type of considered CDW, the environmental impact is determined, using the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approach to determine the indicators of climate change (GWP) and of abiotic depletion potential for fossil resources (ADP f.f.). Ten strategies are considered, which combine: two types of demolition (traditional and selective); the options for waste disposal and valorisation and; local or external treatment. Two case studies are herein considered. Due to the high influence of transport on the determination of the environmental impact, this is separately analysed. The obtained results demonstrate the high environmental benefit of maximizing valorisation and promoting selective demolition, as well as the influence of transport distance on those decisions.