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Advancing Circular Economy Through Optimized Construction and Demolition Waste Management Under Life Cycle Approach

Author

Listed:
  • Muhammad Hassan Javed

    (Sustainable Development Study Centre, Government College University, Lahore 54000, Pakistan)

  • Anees Ahmad

    (Sustainable Development Study Centre, Government College University, Lahore 54000, Pakistan)

  • Mohammad Rehan

    (Center of Excellence in Environmental Studies (CEES), King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia)

  • Muhammad Farooq

    (Mechanical Engineering Department, College of Engineering, Prince Mohammad bin Fahd University (PMU), Al Khobar 31952, Saudi Arabia)

  • Muhammad Farhan

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering (New Campus), University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore 39020, Pakistan)

  • Muhammad Amir Raza

    (Department of Electrical Engineering, Mehran University of Engineering and Technology, SZAB Campus Khairpur Mir’s, Khairpur 66020, Pakistan
    Centre for Advanced Studies in Renewable Energy, NED University of Engineering and Technology, Karachi 75270, Pakistan)

  • Abdul-Sattar Nizami

    (Sustainable Development Study Centre, Government College University, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
    Graduate School of Energy and Environment, Korea University, Seoul 02481, Republic of Korea)

Abstract

The construction industry significantly impacts the environment, consuming 50% of natural resources and generating 20% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In developing countries, managing construction and demolition (C&D) waste is a growing challenge due to rapid urbanization and inadequate waste management practices. This study employs life cycle assessment and life cycle costing to compare landfill and recycling scenarios for C&D waste using ISO 14040 (Environmental Management—Life Cycle Assessment—Principles and Framework) and ISO 14044 (Environmental Management—Life Cycle Assessment—Requirements and Guidelines). The study’s system boundary encompasses the entire life cycle of C&D waste management, with one ton of C&D waste as the functional unit. The results demonstrated that landfilling C&D waste is harmful due to negative impacts from transportation and landfill emissions. Recycling shows promising potential by significantly reducing environmental impacts and lowering the demand for new raw materials. The recycling scenario substantially decreased GHG emissions, saving 37 kg of CO 2 equivalents per ton of waste. Economically, recycling C&D waste proved more viable, with favorable indicators. Implementing a recycling plant in Lahore could save USD 2.53 per ton in resource costs and mitigate significant environmental impacts. This study recommends that policymakers in developing countries prioritize C&D waste recycling to enhance sustainability and support the transition to a circular economy. The findings provide valuable insights for developing effective waste management strategies, contributing to environmental conservation and economic efficiency. These recommendations guide future initiatives for sustainable C&D waste management, promoting a greener and more resilient urban environment. Furthermore, this study underlines the potential of C&D waste recycling to contribute significantly to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly sustainable cities (SDG 11), responsible consumption and production (SDG 12), and climate action (SDG 13).

Suggested Citation

  • Muhammad Hassan Javed & Anees Ahmad & Mohammad Rehan & Muhammad Farooq & Muhammad Farhan & Muhammad Amir Raza & Abdul-Sattar Nizami, 2025. "Advancing Circular Economy Through Optimized Construction and Demolition Waste Management Under Life Cycle Approach," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(11), pages 1-27, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:11:p:4882-:d:1664780
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Turner, David A. & Williams, Ian D. & Kemp, Simon, 2015. "Greenhouse gas emission factors for recycling of source-segregated waste materials," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 105(PA), pages 186-197.
    2. Muhammad Hassan Javed & Anees Ahmad & Mohammad Rehan & Farayi Musharavati & Abdul-Sattar Nizami & Mohammad Ilyas Khan, 2025. "Advancing Sustainable Energy: Environmental and Economic Assessment of Plastic Waste Gasification for Syngas and Electricity Generation Using Life Cycle Modeling," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(3), pages 1-23, February.
    3. Ali Turkyilmaz & Mert Guney & Ferhat Karaca & Zhanar Bagdatkyzy & Aiganym Sandybayeva & Gulzat Sirenova, 2019. "A Comprehensive Construction and Demolition Waste Management Model using PESTEL and 3R for Construction Companies Operating in Central Asia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(6), pages 1-16, March.
    4. C. S. Poon & Ann Yu & L. Jaillon, 2004. "Reducing building waste at construction sites in Hong Kong," Construction Management and Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 22(5), pages 461-470.
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