Is Recycling Always the Best Option? Environmental Assessment of Recycling of Seashell as Aggregates in Noise Barriers

Waste recycling is an essential part of waste management. The concrete industry allows the use of large quantities of waste as a substitute for a conventional raw material without sacrificing the technical properties of the product. From a circular economy point of view, this is an excellent opportunity for waste recycling. Nevertheless, in some cases, the recycling process can be undesirable because it does not involve a net saving in resource consumption or other environmental impacts when compared to the conventional production process. In this study, the environmental performance of conventional absorption porous barriers, composed of 86 wt % of natural aggregates and 14 wt % cement, was compared with barriers composed of 80 wt % seashell waste and 20 wt % cement through an attributional cradle-to-grave life cycle assessment. The results show that, for the 11 environmental impact categories considered, the substitution of the natural aggregates with seashell waste involves higher environmental impacts, between 32% and 267%. These results are justified by the high contribution to these impacts of the seashell waste pre-treatment and the higher cement consumption. Therefore, the recycling of seashells in noise barrier manufacturing is not justified from an environmental standpoint with the current conditions. In this sense, it could be concluded that life cycle assessments should be carried out simultaneously with the technical development of the recycling process to ensure a sustainable solution.


Introduction
The construction industry is one of the most important sectors for economic development in the European Union [1]. The sector demands high amounts of natural resources and energy, consuming around 40% of the global energy demand [2,3]. In light of this fact, many potential solutions have been studied, highlighting among them the use of waste instead of natural resources. The concrete industry, for instance, allows the use of large quantities of waste as a substitute for a conventional raw material, without sacrificing the technical properties of the product [4,5]. From a circular economy point of view, the benefit of this proposal is two-fold: The decrease of natural resource consumption [6,7], and the reduction of air, soil, and groundwater pollution associated with landfilling [8], which can negatively affect human health, environment, and biota [9,10]. However, the recycling process could

Materials and Methods
This LCA was conducted according to the guidelines in ISO 14040/44 [44,45]. The data and main assumptions considered are detailed in the following sections.

Goal and Scope
The main goal of this study was to assess the life cycle environmental sustainability of a new noise barrier manufactured from porous concrete produced with seashell waste (PCSW), and compare it with a conventional noise barrier made of concrete produced with natural aggregates from quarry (PCNA).
The scope of the study was from 'cradle to grave' and the main stages for PCSW and PCNA systems are the following (Figure 1): -Extraction and treatment of raw materials: Natural aggregates (sand, gravel and crushed gravel) for PCNA.

•
Seashell waste for PCSW, which needs a pre-treatment consisting of storing, washing, calcination, and milling to obtain fine and coarse aggregates.
-Production of the noise barrier: • Mixing and kneading: Cement and aggregates or seashell waste are mixed with water.

•
Molding: Concrete is molded (see Figure S1 in Supplementary Materials (SI)). • Cured: Hardening process. • Dismantling: Removal from the mold where the mixture is supported.
-Use. This stage is considered to have a negligible impact in the comparison according to different suppliers of acoustic barriers [46,47]. This LCA was conducted according to the guidelines in ISO 14040/44 [44,45]. The data and main assumptions considered are detailed in the following sections.

Goal and Scope
The main goal of this study was to assess the life cycle environmental sustainability of a new noise barrier manufactured from porous concrete produced with seashell waste (PCSW), and compare it with a conventional noise barrier made of concrete produced with natural aggregates from quarry (PCNA).
The scope of the study was from 'cradle to grave' and the main stages for PCSW and PCNA systems are the following (Figure 1): -Extraction and treatment of raw materials: Natural aggregates (sand, gravel and crushed gravel) for PCNA.

•
Seashell waste for PCSW, which needs a pre-treatment consisting of storing, washing, calcination, and milling to obtain fine and coarse aggregates. -Production of the noise barrier: • Mixing and kneading: Cement and aggregates or seashell waste are mixed with water.

•
Molding: Concrete is molded (see Figure S1 in Supplementary Materials (SI)). • Cured: Hardening process. • Dismantling: Removal from the mold where the mixture is supported. -Use. This stage is considered to have a negligible impact in the comparison according to different suppliers of acoustic barriers [46,47].
-End-of-life. Landfilling of the waste from the extraction and treatment of raw materials, the production process, and the end-of-life of the noise barrier.
-Transport. It includes the transport of the seashell waste to the pre-treatment facility, of the raw materials to the noise barrier factory, of the porous concrete panel to the location of use, and of the waste to the landfill. The defined functional unit (FU) is the production of 1 m 2 of noise barrier. This FU was selected to compare the environmental impact of both products for the same area of sound absorption and mechanical properties. As can be seen in our previous work [41], both types of panels (PCNA and The defined functional unit (FU) is the production of 1 m 2 of noise barrier. This FU was selected to compare the environmental impact of both products for the same area of sound absorption and mechanical properties. As can be seen in our previous work [41], both types of panels (PCNA and PCSW) can be classified as the A2 category of the acoustic absorption assessment index, according to EN 1793-1 [48], for the same thickness. In addition, the mechanical and durability tests showed similar results for both materials [41]. Table 1 shows the inventory data for both types of noise barriers, with natural aggregates (PCNA) and seashell waste (PCSW). Inventory data for the seashell waste pre-treatment were adapted from Iribarren et al. [37]. Consumptions for PCSW production were obtained from Peceño et al. [41]. The raw material and energy consumption of PCNA were determined from the manufacturers' data. The background data were sourced from the Ecoinvent v3.1 database [49].  [37], is given in Supplementary Materials (Table S1).

Raw Materials
As mentioned above, previously used as aggregates, seashell waste from the canning industry must be pre-treated to satisfy the requirements of the EN 1744-1 standard [30] regarding the maximum quantity of organic matter and chloride [29]. The first step was the washing of the seashell waste. Wash water was treated subsequently with chlorine dioxide in a ratio of 6 mg per kg seashell waste. To remove suspended solids from the wash water, aluminum sulphate was added as a coagulant at a ratio of 24 mg per kg seashell waste. Afterwards, to remove the organic matter left, the seashell waste was calcined at 550 • C for 15 min. The calcination temperature was limited to 550 • C to avoid the decomposition of CaCO 3 (90 wt % of the seashell) to CaO and CO 2 . Finally, the washed and calcined seashell waste were milled to obtain two different kinds of aggregates, fine and coarse, with particle sizes lower and higher than 2 mm, respectively [37].

Production
Aggregates, cement and water were mixed and kneaded mechanically to produce the concrete mass. Afterwards, the concrete is poured into a mold of the required dimensions (see Figure S1 in Supplementary Materials). The electricity consumption reported for PCNA for these processes was also considered for PCWS but proportionally adapted to the consumed mass of each component.
For each panel, two masses were prepared: The porous concrete mass, made with fine aggregates, and the structural concrete mass, produced with coarse aggregates. Firstly, the porous concrete mass was poured into the mold. Then, a steel frame was placed, and the structural concrete was poured. The steel reinforcement was not included in the inventory since it was equal for both the PCNA and PCSW. The next step was the curing, which is the hardening process of the panels and where water evaporation is produced. The curing process was considered finished after 28 days, when the mold was dismantled.
For PCNA, while gravel and sand were used for a layer of structural concrete, crushed gravel was used for a layer of porous concrete. The structural concrete mass was composed of 57 wt % sand, 29 wt % gravel, and 14 wt % cement. The amount of water added was 46 wt % with respect to the amount of cement. The porous concrete mass was composed of 86%wt of crushed gravel and 14 wt % cement. Then, 30 wt % water was added with respect to the amount of cement. The mass of the noise panel was 262 kg/m 2 per functional unit.
In the case of PCSW, a mass ratio of 80:20 seashell waste: cement was added for both layers of concrete, porous (with coarse shells) and structural (with fine shells). The amount of water added was 60%wt with respect to the amount of cement, to ensure the workability of the mass [41]. The total mass of the noise panel was 240 kg/m 2 per functional unit.

End-of-Life
After their use, both PCNA and PCSW panels are considered as construction and demolition waste (CDW), according to section 17 of the European Waste Catalogue [50]. Following the most recent data for CDW treatment in Spain, 100% of the waste was assumed to be sent to the landfill [51].

Transport
For both types of alternatives, the production of the concrete was assumed to be in the concrete plant of General de Hormigones in Meis (Galicia, NW Spain). This company commercializes different concrete-made products with natural aggregates, including porous concrete. Both the closest gravel extraction quarry and cement factory of General de Hormigones were chosen for the study: Gravel extraction in Salcedo (22 km from Meis) and cement industry in Ouras (186 km from Meis). According to Barros et al. [52], seashell waste is pre-treated in Caliza Marina Company, located in Boiro (39 km from Meis), while mussel-canning industries are located in Rianxo [52] (10 km from Boiro). Distances were measured using the Google MapsTM distance measurement tool [53]. Once it was produced, the noise barrier of porous concrete was assumed to travel a distance of 200 km to the final installation on a road. Regarding the end-of-life, generated waste was considered to be transported a distance of 15 km to the landfill [54]. All transport was done by road, and a 16-32-tonne Euro 6 truck was considered, according to the classification included in Regulation (EC) No 715 (2007) [55].

Sensitivity Analysis
To reduce the necessary heat consumption for seashell waste calcination during its pre-treatment, other authors have proposed lower temperatures than 550 • C, reported by Barros et al. [56]. On the one hand, Neves and Manos [57] and Sahari and Aniza Mijan [58] calcined seashell waste at 250 • C. On the other hand, Martinez-Garcia et al. [59] calcined seashell waste at 135 • C. Due to the expected significant influence that heat production for calcination could have on the results of the environmental assessment, the present work also studied the environmental impact of PCSW for the two other calcination temperatures aside from 550 • C through a sensitivity analysis: 135 • C (PCSW-135) and 250 • C (PCSW-250). Life cycle inventories of PCSW-135 and PCSW-250 are provided in Table S1 in Supplementary Materials.

Comparison of PCNA and PCSW
As illustrated in Figure 2, PCNA has the lowest values in all impact categories considered in this study, despite the recycling of the seashell waste in the PCSW material. Overall, the impacts associated with PCSW are between 32% (TETP) and 267% (ODP) higher in comparison to PCNA. To reduce the necessary heat consumption for seashell waste calcination during its pretreatment, other authors have proposed lower temperatures than 550 °C, reported by Barros et al. [56]. On the one hand, Neves and Manos [57] and Sahari and Aniza Mijan [58] calcined seashell waste at 250 °C. On the other hand, Martinez-Garcia et al. [59] calcined seashell waste at 135 °C. Due to the expected significant influence that heat production for calcination could have on the results of the environmental assessment, the present work also studied the environmental impact of PCSW for the two other calcination temperatures aside from 550 °C through a sensitivity analysis: 135 °C (PCSW-135) and 250 °C (PCSW-250). Life cycle inventories of PCSW-135 and PCSW-250 are provided in Table  S1 in Supplementary Materials.

Comparison of PCNA and PCSW
As illustrated in Figure 2, PCNA has the lowest values in all impact categories considered in this study, despite the recycling of the seashell waste in the PCSW material. Overall, the impacts associated with PCSW are between 32% (TETP) and 267% (ODP) higher in comparison to PCNA.  The seashell waste pre-treatment is the main contributor to seven impact categories in the case of PCSW barriers: ODP (76%), ADPf (63%), POCP (59%), AP (58%), MAETP (57%), EP (51%), and GWP (50%). The ADPf impact is mainly associated with the consumption of fossil fuels during calcination. In the case of the ODP, fossil fuel transportation produces emissions of bromotrifluoride and halon 1301 that contribute to this impact. For AP, the impact is mostly caused by the SO x , NO x , and NH 3 , emissions generated from the burning of propane to produce the heat used for calcination The SO 2 , CO, C 4 H 10 , and CH 4 emissions also released in the combustion of propane generate a significant contribution to the POCP impact. The same cause, the propane combustion, contributed significantly to the GWP impact due to the emissions of CO 2 , CH 4 , and N 2 O. In the case of EP, the impact is mainly associated with the aquatic emissions of PO 4 3− , NO, COD, and NO 2 released in the washing process of seashell waste. Finally, for MAETP, the impact is mainly caused by the HF, Be, Ni, and Ba emissions during the mining of the coal burned for the generation of electricity necessary for the milling. The pretreatment of the shells is the second most important contributor to the other four impact categories: ADPe (42%), FAETP (41%), HTP (44%), and TETP (18%). Most of these impacts are associated with the electric consumption in the milling process and, more specifically, from the extraction of coal used for electricity generation. The consumption of electricity in the milling of fine shells used in the structural layer of concrete is three times higher than in the milling of the coarse shells for the porous concrete layer.
In the case of PCNA, the extraction of natural aggregates only contributes significantly to ODP (18%) due to the emissions associated with the consumption of diesel used in heavy machinery in the quarry. The impacts associated with natural aggregates are much lower than those associated with recycled seashells. The pre-treatment of the seashell waste generates between 4 (HTP) and 22 (GWP) times higher impacts compared to the natural aggregates' production.
Cement production is the most significant contributor in all categories (47-93%) for PCNA and, for PCSW, in those four impacts in which the pre-treatment does not entail most of the burdens (HTP (46%), ADPe (52%), FAEP (56%), and TETP (80%)). Cement contributes significantly to the impacts of TETP (>80%), FAETP (>56%), ADPe (>52%), and HTP (>46%) for both types of barriers. The impacts per FU due to the cement consumption are higher in the case of PCSW because more cement is needed to produce the noise barrier (35.20 kg/FU in the case of PCNA versus 45.20 kg/FU in the case of PCSW as illustrated in Table 1). The higher consumption of cement in PCSW is necessary to accomplish the required mechanical properties due to the shape and porosity of shell wastes [41,62]. The TETP and HTP impacts are associated with the emissions of heavy metals, such as chromium, zinc, tin, and lead, and dioxins in the production of clinker. The impacts of FAETP and ADPe are mainly caused by the mining and extraction of fossil fuels used in the generation of heat and electricity consumed in the cement production process.
The contribution of the production stage to the impacts is relatively low (<5% for PCNA and <2% for PCSW). In this stage, there is a reduction in all the impacts of PCSW compared to PCNA except for the ADPe. The higher value for ADPe is caused by the higher demand for water consumption in PCSW production (27.10 kg/FU for PCSW compared to 14.60 kg/FU, see Table 1). The lower impacts in the rest of the categories are caused by a slightly lower consumption of electricity in the case of PCSW (0.43 kWh/FU for PCSW compared to 0.47 kWh/FU for PCNA). There is a mass difference per 1 m 2 (240 kg/FU for PCSW versus 262 kg/FU for PCNA), and therefore, the electrical consumption for molding and kneading is lower for PCSW panels.
The end-of-life stage does not contribute significantly to the impacts (<19% for PCNA and <5% for PCSW). The impacts of landfilling are mainly generated by the consumption of diesel in the use of heavy machinery needed in the disposal. The difference in weight between both barriers (262 kg/FU for PCNA versus 240 kg/FU for PCSW) makes the diesel consumption lower in the case of PCSW.
The transport only contributes significantly for POCP (33% for PCNA and 15% for PCSW) and ADPf (25% for PCNA and 10% for PCSW) due to the emissions of volatile organic compounds and NO x from fuel combustion. Although the global distances considered for PCSW are slightly lower than for PCRG (450 km vs. 467 km), the higher amount of consumed cement increases the impacts for PCSW.
To summaries, the results show that the manufacture of the PCSW noise barrier has no environmental advantages over the PCNA noise barrier due to the high environmental burden of the pre-treatment of the seashells, the increase in the consumption of cement, and the low environmental load of the natural aggregates. Therefore, to apply wastes instead of natural aggregates for the production of porous concrete, it is necessary to look for sources of waste that require more sustainable pre-treatment and do not involve an increase in cement consumption.
As far as we are aware, there are no other comprehensive LCA studies of the use of recycled seashells for noise barriers, so a direct comparison with the literature is not possible. The most similar studies are from Iribarren et al. [37] and Alvarenga et al. [36], which analyzed the life cycle of seashell waste management, considering the recycling of seashells as CaCO 3 versus landfilling. The comparison of the results should only be considered as illustrative due to the difference in the raw materials (e.g., different types of seashells and final products), processes, and LCA parameters (e.g., system boundaries, FU, or impact categories) considered. The LCA results reported by Iribarren et al. [37] showed that the recycling of seashells as CaCO 3 presents disadvantages compared with landfilling. Still, the authors noted that, despite these results from the LCA analysis, social concerns could be an argument against landfilling [37]. However, in the case of Alvarenga et al. [36], the recycling of seashell waste as CaCO 3 generated lower environmental impacts than landfilling in all the impacts (between 1% and 85%). These results are justified because only energy and water consumption required for the pre-treatment of shells were considered, thus reducing the environmental burdens. In addition, the recycled seashell is credited with the avoided environmental impacts of the production of CaCO 3 [36].

Sensitivity Analysis
As shown in Figure 3, the reduction in the calcination temperature involves a reduction in the environmental impacts for all categories under study. The percentage of reduction versus the base case (PCSW), with a calcination temperature of 550 • C, depends on the impact category and ranges from 3% (PCSW-250)-5% (PSW-135) for ADPe to 36% (PCSW-250)-52% (PSW-135) for ODP. These differences are justified by the different percentages of contribution of the calcination process to the environmental burdens of each impact category.
The lowest reductions in the impacts (<10% for PCSW-135 and PCSW-250) are for TETP, FAETP, ADPe, and MAETP. As shown in Section 3.1, these impacts are mainly associated with the production of cement and the electricity consumption of the milling process but not with the calcination process. Despite this, and if only the pre-treatments are compared, there is a reduction in the four impact categories mentioned by 8-23% for PCSW-250 and by 11-33% for PCSW-135, compared to PCSW.
Moderate reductions are observed for EP and HTP when the heating temperature is reduced. In the case of the EP, the impact is reduced between 18% (PCSW-250) and 26% (PCSW-135) compared with PCSW. The reduction is between 11% (PCSW-250) and 16% (PCSW-135) for HTP. The minimization of propane consumption decreases aerial NO x emissions and, therefore, the EP impact. This reduction of consumption also decreases the PO 4 3− , NO 3 − , Se, and Ni emissions in the extracting, processing and the use of propane and, therefore, causes a reduction in the HTP impact. Finally, the ADPf, AP, POCP, GWP, and ODP impacts have the most significant decreases (>22% for PCSW-250 and >32% for PCSW-135). These reductions are justified by the decline in the consumption of propane between 60% (PCSW-250) and 78% (PCSW-135), which is the main contributor to these impacts (see Section 3.1). If only the pre-treatment is compared, the decreases in these impacts are >38% for PCSW-250 and >56% for PCSW-135 compared to PCSW. The lowest reductions in the impacts (< 10% for PCSW-135 and PCSW-250) are for TETP, FAETP, ADPe, and MAETP. As shown in Section 3.1, these impacts are mainly associated with the production of cement and the electricity consumption of the milling process but not with the calcination process. Despite this, and if only the pre-treatments are compared, there is a reduction in the four impact categories mentioned by 8%-23% for PCSW-250 and by 11%-33% for PCSW-135, compared to PCSW.
Moderate reductions are observed for EP and HTP when the heating temperature is reduced. In the case of the EP, the impact is reduced between 18% (PCSW-250) and 26% (PCSW-135) compared with PCSW. The reduction is between 11% (PCSW-250) and 16% (PCSW-135) for HTP. The minimization of propane consumption decreases aerial NOx emissions and, therefore, the EP impact. This reduction of consumption also decreases the PO4 3-, NO3 -, Se, and Ni emissions in the extracting, processing and the use of propane and, therefore, causes a reduction in the HTP impact.
The results for PCNA and the best heating temperature alternative, PCSW-135, are compared in Figure 4. The reduction of the calcination temperature to 135 °C is not enough to allow the recycling seashells to be a better alternative compared with the use of natural aggregates for any impact category. TETP shows the closest impact between PCSW-135 and PCNA, with a 24% difference. ODP (28.3 mg CFC-11 for PCSW-135 compared to 15.9 mg CFC-11 for PCNA) and MAETP (11.0 t 1.4 DB eq. for PCSW-135 and 5.2 t 1.4 DB eq. for PCNA) have the most significant differences with respect to PCNA, 78% and 113%, respectively. These differences are mainly caused by the higher consumption of fossil fuels for cement production and the demand for fossil fuels in the pre-treatment of the seashell waste. Due to the reduction in the calcination temperature, the contribution of propane consumption to MAETP is only 24% compared with the total contribution of the complete pre- The results for PCNA and the best heating temperature alternative, PCSW-135, are compared in Figure 4. The reduction of the calcination temperature to 135 • C is not enough to allow the recycling seashells to be a better alternative compared with the use of natural aggregates for any impact category. TETP shows the closest impact between PCSW-135 and PCNA, with a 24% difference. ODP (28.3 mg CFC-11 for PCSW-135 compared to 15.9 mg CFC-11 for PCNA) and MAETP (11.0 t 1.4 DB eq. for PCSW-135 and 5.2 t 1.4 DB eq. for PCNA) have the most significant differences with respect to PCNA, 78% and 113%, respectively. These differences are mainly caused by the higher consumption of fossil fuels for cement production and the demand for fossil fuels in the pre-treatment of the seashell waste. Due to the reduction in the calcination temperature, the contribution of propane consumption to MAETP is only 24% compared with the total contribution of the complete pre-treatment. However, the pre-treated shells still have 10 times more MAETP impact if compared to the natural aggregates (5.94 t DB eq. versus 0.56 t DB eq.), mainly due to the electric consumption of the milling.
The results show that even with the lower calcination temperature (135 • C), the use of natural aggregates is the best alternative from an environmental standpoint. These results initially go against some of the principles of the circular economy, like preserving and enhancing natural capital [63] by controlling finite stocks [64] and designing out waste [65]. Circular economy principles have been considered by new European Union policies that promote waste prevention, recycling, and ecodesign to reduce the environmental impact [66]. Several tools have been developed for circular economy principle implementation [67], and they have been used by researchers in order to attain more eco-friendly designs and processes [68]. However, in some cases, as shown in the present study, the recycling of waste can imply an increase in the environmental impacts, due to higher consumption in other resources (cement) and energy (for the pre-treatment) compared with the extraction of virgin resources (natural aggregates). Therefore, case-by-case research of the environmental implications is needed to achieve sustainable solutions. In the particular case of seashell waste, it is necessary to research the possibilities of replacing other materials with higher environmental impacts or trying to reduce the environmental footprint of the recycling process. treatment. However, the pre-treated shells still have 10 times more MAETP impact if compared to the natural aggregates (5.94 t DB eq. versus 0.56 t DB eq.), mainly due to the electric consumption of the milling. The results show that even with the lower calcination temperature (135 °C), the use of natural aggregates is the best alternative from an environmental standpoint. These results initially go against some of the principles of the circular economy, like preserving and enhancing natural capital [63] by controlling finite stocks [64] and designing out waste [65]. Circular economy principles have been considered by new European Union policies that promote waste prevention, recycling, and ecodesign to reduce the environmental impact [66]. Several tools have been developed for circular economy principle implementation [67], and they have been used by researchers in order to attain more eco-friendly designs and processes [68]. However, in some cases, as shown in the present study, the recycling of waste can imply an increase in the environmental impacts, due to higher consumption in other resources (cement) and energy (for the pre-treatment) compared with the extraction of virgin resources (natural aggregates). Therefore, case-by-case research of the environmental implications is needed to achieve sustainable solutions. In the particular case of seashell waste, it is necessary to research the possibilities of replacing other materials with higher environmental impacts or trying to reduce the environmental footprint of the recycling process.

Conclusions
This study provides the first environmental life cycle assessment of seashell waste as an aggregate in porous concrete panels in noise barriers. The results reveal that the noise barriers manufactured with seashell waste have higher impacts (between 32% and 267%) than barriers based on porous concrete made with natural aggregates in the 11 categories considered. These increases are justified by the contribution of the seashell waste pre-treatment, including storage, washing, calcination, and milling, and the higher cement consumption, 13% compared with acoustic barriers

Conclusions
This study provides the first environmental life cycle assessment of seashell waste as an aggregate in porous concrete panels in noise barriers. The results reveal that the noise barriers manufactured with seashell waste have higher impacts (between 32% and 267%) than barriers based on porous concrete made with natural aggregates in the 11 categories considered. These increases are justified by the contribution of the seashell waste pre-treatment, including storage, washing, calcination, and milling, and the higher cement consumption, 13% compared with acoustic barriers with natural aggregates. The impacts caused by the end-of-life and production stages are low in both alternatives (<19%), and the transport has a significant influence only in the generation of photochemical oxidants in both types of barriers (>15%).
A decrease in the calcination temperature of seashell waste from 550 • C to 250 and 135 • C causes a reduction of 3-36% and 5-52% in the different impacts, respectively. However, even the alternative with a lower calcination temperature (135 • C) still has higher impacts in all the considered categories than the noise barrier made with natural aggregates. The decrease in the calcination temperature turns the consumption of cement into the primary contributor in all of the impact categories. In this sense, future research studies should analyze the technical feasibility of reducing cement consumption when natural aggregates are substituted with seashell waste. Thus, it could be concluded that life cycle assessments should be carried out simultaneously with the technical development of the product and not at the end. This approach would simultaneously make it possible to optimize the technical properties of the materials and minimize their environmental impact and, combined with a socio-economic analysis, will ensure the sustainability of the recycling process.