Sustainable utilization of recycled aggregates: robust construction and demolition waste reduction strategies

Abstract

Purpose

Due to the high demand of concrete, significant volume of natural resources is required, including virgin aggregates. Many studies have shown that the production of concrete has one of the highest CO₂ levels. Although efforts are in place to recycle, enormous effects on landfill and the wider environment remain. Research has suggested the importance of reusing construction and demolition waste such as aggregate for use in recycled concrete. However, robust construction and demolition waste reduction strategies are required. There have been numerous researches on the use of recycled concrete and its management in the construction industry. This paper further consolidates this position.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper exhibits the barriers and benefits of using recycled aggregates for construction industry. This is achieved via reviewing the current construction and demolition waste reduction strategies used mainly in three countries: the UK, Australia and Japan. These countries were selected since they seemingly have similar construction industry and environment. Subsequently, evolving barriers and benefits of using recycled aggregates for construction industry are also reviewed and discussed. And to support such focus, robust construction and demolition waste reduction strategies will be advocated.

Findings

The findings are summarized as follows. The recycling construction and demolition waste could have a positive net benefit compared to the procurement and production of virgin aggregate materials with the same properties. This is not only financially beneficial but also environmentally viable, as fewer resources would be required to produce the same aggregate material. There are effective ways to achieve a high recycle rate target, as demonstrated by Japan. The implementation of a similar recycling process could be implemented globally to achieve a more effective recycle rate through the help of governments at all levels. By creating awareness about the financial and environmental benefits of using recycled aggregate products, large recycling companies can be also enticed to follow suit.

Practical implications

The findings from this paper can ultimately support the construction industry to further consolidate and advocate the use of recycled aggregates.

Originality/value

To achieve the research aim, this paper reviews some of the main sustainability factors of recycled aggregates (including coarse and fine aggregates) and provides comparison to virgin aggregates.

Citation

De Luca, A., Chen, L. and Gharehbaghi, K. (2021), "Sustainable utilization of recycled aggregates: robust construction and demolition waste reduction strategies", International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation, Vol. 39 No. 4, pp. 666-682. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJBPA-04-2020-0029