Biji Kurup Dr.

Waste generated from the construction and demolition sector continues to increase over time, and this negligence poses a severe threat to the environment. Reusing and recycling construction and demolition waste-derived materials must be the priority for resource sustainability and achieving a Circular Economy (CE). Many studies demonstrate that recycled concrete aggregates from demolished buildings can be used in various engineering applications. Still, there is little research to assess the environmental impact and sustainability of the product using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) techniques. Current specifications in Western Australia require a majority (80%-90%) of the recycled base in road construction to be concrete. LCA techniques are essential to evaluate the environmental performance and sustainability of producing recycled materials in the construction and demolition industry.

The study compared the environmental impacts of the processes involved in producing Recycled Concrete Aggregate (RCA) from demolition waste and Business as Usual (BAU) cases for road construction using LCA techniques for case-specific and primarily sourced data. The results indicate that with 100% RCA used in road bases, a significant carbon emission reduction of almost 95% was observed. While only a 55% reduction was achieved when replacing the BAU scenario with 70% RCA and 30 %NA. However, if the RCA processing involves significant transportation distances and more electricity consumption, then a reduction in environmental impacts from the project is unlikely.

The findings prove that data collection, location, in-situ utilization of the recycled materials, and backhaul plans are the ideal components for CE in the recycling industry. Further investigation on a similar topic is needed to understand recycled products’ environmental impacts and sustainability so policymakers can be informed when legislating the necessary regulations and guidelines.