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Benchmarking Potential Construction Waste Streams and Their Climate Impact: Life Cycle Assessment‐Based Targets for Strategic Planning of Construction Processes

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Listed:
  • Lea Hasselsteen
  • Aleksander P. Otovic
  • Harpa Birgisdóttir
  • Kai Kanafani

Abstract

This study investigates how construction waste intensity affects greenhouse gas emissions (GHGe), analyzing data from 345 buildings constructed between 2007 and 2025. Using material waste rates (MWR) from previous cases, it predicts climate impacts based on typical material compositions. MWR reaches up to 25.6% of delivered materials, with packaging materials accounting for as much as 16.7%. These waste intensities feed into life cycle assessment (LCA) calculations, resulting in a benchmark of 21.59 kg CO2e/m2 gross floor area (GFA) for waste mitigation in 75% of building projects. GHGe varies significantly by building type, from 16.80 to 34.06 kg CO2e/m2 GFA, resulting in differentiated benchmarks for eight typologies. The study contributes a predictive framework that links empirical waste data with LCA‐based emission targets, supporting early‐stage planning and procurement decisions. These benchmarks guide more efficient waste management strategies, helping practitioners support circular economy principles and reduce the environmental footprint of construction.

Suggested Citation

  • Lea Hasselsteen & Aleksander P. Otovic & Harpa Birgisdóttir & Kai Kanafani, 2026. "Benchmarking Potential Construction Waste Streams and Their Climate Impact: Life Cycle Assessment‐Based Targets for Strategic Planning of Construction Processes," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 34(S2), pages 280-295, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:sustdv:v:34:y:2026:i:s2:p:280-295
    DOI: 10.1002/sd.70350
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Hongmei Liu & Rong Guo & Junjie Tian & Honghao Sun & Yi Wang & Haiyan Li & Lu Yao, 2022. "Quantifying the Carbon Reduction Potential of Recycling Construction Waste Based on Life Cycle Assessment: A Case of Jiangsu Province," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(19), pages 1-16, October.
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