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Construction and Demolition Waste Management for a Sustainable Future

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A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Waste and Recycling".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2025 | Viewed by 16217

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Michał Juszczyk

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Guest Editor

Chair of Construction Management in Civil Engineering, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Cracow University of Technology, Warszawska 24, 31-155 Cracow, Poland
Interests: construction management; technology of construction works; construction cost analyses; construction cost management; applications of artificial intelligence and machine learning in construction management; building information modelling (BIM)
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Tomáš Hanák

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Guest Editor

Institute of Construction Economics and Management, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Brno University of Technology, Veveří 331/95, 60200 Brno, Czech Republic
Interests: construction management; cost management; procurement in construction; performance management; construction sustainability; electronic reverse auctions; business economics

Dr. Michał Pyzalski

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Guest Editor

Department of Building Materials Technology, Faculty of Materials Science and Ceramics, The AGH University, Al. Mickiewicza 30, 30-059 Cracow, Poland
Interests: building materials; self-healing concretes; cement chemistry; special cements; low-energy cements; calcium aluminate cement; expansive cements; non-shrinking cements; emission-free cements; smart building materials; biocorrosion of building materials
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Construction activities generate a significant volume of waste, and the materials involved are diverse. The problems of construction and demolition (C&D) waste management are of paramount importance for undisputable reasons, encompassing environmental, economic, and societal aspects.

In terms of environmental conservation, sustainable waste management prevents environmental pollution and helps maintain a healthier planet. Efficient waste management promotes the recycling and reuse of materials, thereby reducing the demand for new raw resources. This contributes to the conservation of natural resources and mitigates the environmental impact of extraction and manufacturing processes. Recycling and reusing C&D waste, as well as waste materials from different industries to create new construction materials, often require less energy than producing new ones from raw resources. Therefore, efficient waste management contributes to energy conservation and reduces the environmental impact associated with energy production. Strategies, including waste minimization, recycling, and reusing, directly contribute to reducing the overall volume of waste. Through these strategies, we can mitigate the contribution of waste to climate change and reduce overall carbon emissions. Supporting industries involved in waste collection, recycling, reusing, and the development of sustainable technologies creates economic opportunities. Adhering to waste management regulations ensures legal compliance and fosters responsible practices, encouraging businesses and individuals to meet environmental standards. Incorporating waste management practices into the principles of sustainable construction ensures that current needs are met without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This approach aligns with a holistic and balanced perspective on social, economic, and environmental considerations.

We believe that research focusing on various aspects of waste management in the construction industry, including experimental, correlational, surveillance, and case study works, as well as simulation and modelling, may provide several sustainable development benefits. The research and scientific approach to construction waste management plays a pivotal role in aligning construction practices with environmental stewardship, resource efficiency, and social responsibility. Better understanding and knowledge of the nature of construction waste, as well as the process of waste management resulting from research and studies may contribute not only to the body of knowledge but also to the continuous improvement of construction industry sustainability. Enhancing comprehension and awareness of the characteristics of construction waste, along with insights into waste management derived from research and studies, can contribute not only to the expansion of knowledge but also to the ongoing enhancement of sustainability practices within the construction industry.

The aim of this call, as well as the Special Issue, is to cultivate and showcase both theoretical and practical insights that facilitate a comprehensive exploration of waste management issues in the construction industry and challenges from diverse perspectives. In line with our commitment to advancing knowledge in the field, we particularly encourage submissions that demonstrate innovative approaches and groundbreaking solutions, fostering a forward-thinking discourse that contributes to the evolution of sustainable practices within the field.

Specific topics of the Special Issue include but are not limited to the following:

Understanding and analysis of the composition and characteristics of construction and demolition waste;
Construction and demolition waste minimization strategies;
Innovations in waste recycling in the construction industry;
Construction and demolition waste environmental impact assessment;
Circular economy approaches to construction and demolition waste;
Waste management in the life cycle analysis and assessment of built structures;
Construction and demolition waste management planning;
Integrating digital tools and BIM technology for improved construction and demolition waste management;
Economic aspects of construction and demolition waste management;
Sustainable practices of handling construction and demolition waste.

Dr. Michał Juszczyk
Dr. Tomáš Hanák
Dr. Michał Pyzalski
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

waste management
construction and demolition waste management
sustainable construction
recycling technology
circular economy
environmental aspects assessment

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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25 pages, 3103 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimising Construction Efficiency: A Comprehensive Survey-Based Approach to Waste Identification and Recommendations with BIM and Lean Construction

by Ewelina Mitera-Kiełbasa and Krzysztof Zima

Sustainability 2025, 17(9), 4027; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17094027 - 29 Apr 2025

Viewed by 371

Abstract

The construction industry continues to face significant challenges related to waste on construction sites, significantly impacting cost, timelines, and the quality of project outcomes. This study aims to identify contemporary sources of construction waste, assess their variability over time using data from 2016, 2021, and 2024, and evaluate strategies for their reduction. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, combining a literature review with a survey among Polish construction contractors. A total of 34 waste factors were assessed in terms of frequency and significance. Building Information Modelling (BIM) is recommended—based on both survey results and studies in the literature—as an effective strategy to optimise construction efficiency by reducing waste and supporting sustainability objectives. The analysis also shows increasing awareness and application of Lean Principles and BIM among contractors. By 2024, BIM use increased from 8% in 2016 to 63%, indicating broader recognition, although this recognition was still insufficient given the severity of reported waste. The findings revealed design errors as the most critical source of waste, alongside execution delays, quality defects, damages to completed works, and excessive workloads. Respondents also identified additional factors, including erroneous bid assumptions, unclear investor expectations, unrealistic deadlines, equipment failures, and overdesign. These underscore the need for strategic, technology-driven waste mitigation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Construction and Demolition Waste Management for a Sustainable Future)

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30 pages, 5477 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable Self-Compacting Concrete with Recycled Aggregates, Ground Granulated Blast Slag, and Limestone Filler: A Technical and Environmental Assessment

by Fadhila Hamza, Tahar AliBoucetta, Mourad Behim, Selma Bellara, Ahmed Senouci and Walid Maherzi

Sustainability 2025, 17(8), 3395; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17083395 - 11 Apr 2025

Viewed by 534

Abstract

This study investigates the use of demolition waste as recycled coarse aggregates (RCAs) to replace natural coarse aggregates (NCAs), and the use of ground granulated blast slag (GGBS) and limestone filler (LF) as a supplementary cementitious material, in self-compacting concrete (SCC), with proportions of 150 kg/m³ for GGBS and 180 kg/m³ for LF. Various SCC mixtures were prepared with RCA proportions of 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100%, while maintaining fixed dosages of LF and GGBS. Initially, RCA was incorporated in a dry state, followed by a water dosage adjustment for mixtures containing 100% RCA, equivalent to 20 min of RCA absorption. The experimental investigation evaluated the evolution of flow properties through tests such as slump flow, flow time (T500), L-box, sieve stability, fresh density, and air content. The static yield stress and plastic viscosity were also calculated using mathematical models. Additionally, hardened properties, including short-term and long-term compressive strength and capillary water absorption, were assessed. An environmental impact analysis of using demolition waste was conducted, revealing that a total NCA replacement with RCA is viable for both fresh and hardened states, provided that the RCA water absorption is managed and a reactive mineral additive is incorporated. For a 50% replacement of natural aggregates with recycled aggregates, this approach significantly reduces environmental impacts, lowering fossil fuel consumption by up to 35% and greenhouse gas emissions by up to 32%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Construction and Demolition Waste Management for a Sustainable Future)

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15 pages, 560 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Circular Economy for Construction and Demolition Waste in the Santiago Metropolitan Region of Chile: A Delphi Analysis

by Karina D. Véliz, Carolina Busco, Jeffrey P. Walters and Catalina Esparza

Sustainability 2025, 17(3), 1057; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17031057 - 27 Jan 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1151

Abstract

This study investigates the design and implementation of circular economy (CE) strategies for managing construction and demolition waste (CDW) in the Santiago Metropolitan Region of Chile (SMRC). The research aimed to identify key factors influencing the current and future adoption of CE practices for CDW management related to socio-environmental, technical, financial, and strategic-regulatory aspects, employing the Delphi method to gather expert insights. Findings reveal that the lack of knowledge about sustainable practices and the absence of regulatory frameworks for CDW disposal are the most critical barriers to effective CE implementation. The study recommends enhancing public awareness and environmental education through government and school programs, as well as enacting stricter legislation to combat illegal disposal and encourage sustainable practices and valorization of secondary raw materials within companies. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of designing projects that prioritize waste avoidance and the development of infrastructure, technology, and processes for efficient material separation and recycling. The research also highlights potential challenges such as stagnation in the adoption of sustainable practices, skilled labor shortages, and limited research and innovation. It underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to CDW management that integrates socio-environmental, technical, financial, and regulatory dimensions to promote sustainability at both regional and global levels. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Construction and Demolition Waste Management for a Sustainable Future)

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13 pages, 2847 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Use of Plastic Waste as Replacement of Coarse Aggregate in Concrete Industry

by Moustafa Abdulrahim Mohamedsalih, Ahmed E. Radwan, Saleh H. Alyami and Ahmed K. Abd El Aal

Sustainability 2024, 16(23), 10522; https://doi.org/10.3390/su162310522 - 30 Nov 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2938

Abstract

Recycling solid waste is one of the most important ways to reduce carbon footprints and put sustainability into practice. This research aims to bridge the gap between the results of previous studies and the effectiveness and sustainability benefits of using plastic waste (PW) in concrete mixes by partially replacing coarse aggregate with PW. Furthermore, we examine the suitability of the concrete produced for use as a construction material. The research methodology is based on studying the physical and mechanical behavior of concrete produced by partially replacing coarse aggregate with 0%, 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, 10%, and 12.5% PW. For the conventional concrete–CC mix of 0% PW, the design strength, f_cu, was 35 MP, with a slump of 100 mm, using a water–cement ratio of 0.5, a M.A.S of coarse aggregate of 20 mm, and a sand F.M. of 2.2. According to British standards, BS, slump and density tests were carried out for concrete samples produced in their fresh state and strength tests, ultrasonic testing, etc. for concrete samples after hardening. The results indicated that there is no significant difference between the dry density and bulk density of concrete produced at all its age stages, regardless of the percentage of PW that replaces the aggregate. It also indicated that the compressive strength, the flexural strength, and the splitting tensile strength of the produced concrete decrease steadily and significantly when aggregates are replaced by PW by more than 2.5%. It was found that the decrease in compressive strength does not exceed 1% for concrete with 2.5% PW compared to the strength of CC, while the compressive strength of concrete with 5% PW decreases by 24%. The maximum reduction rate of the flexural strength and splitting tensile strength was 40% and 32%, respectively, for concrete at 12.5% PW compared to the strength of CC. Therefore, PW concrete can retain its strength when used in small quantities of up to 2.5% and can be applied in structural works. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Construction and Demolition Waste Management for a Sustainable Future)

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Review

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35 pages, 6710 KiB

Open AccessReview

Examining the Influence of Recycled Aggregates on the Fresh and Mechanical Characteristics of High-Strength Concrete: A Comprehensive Review

by P. Jagadesh, K. Karthik, P. Kalaivani, Memduh Karalar, Essam Althaqafi, Emrah Madenci and Yasin Onuralp Özkılıç

Sustainability 2024, 16(20), 9052; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16209052 - 19 Oct 2024

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3623

Abstract

This review examines the impact of recycled aggregates (RAs) on the fresh and mechanical properties of high-strength concrete (HSC). The results revealed that incorporating RAs can reduce the compressive strength of HSC by up to 25%, with strength values ranging from 40 to 70 MPa depending on the RA content. The addition of supplementary materials like silica fume, fly ash, and polycarboxylate ether significantly mitigated these negative effects, enhancing the compressive strength by approximately 15–20% compared with the control mixes without additives. Furthermore, the tensile strength was observed to decrease by up to 18% with increasing RA content, but fiber reinforcement improved this by 10%, demonstrating the potential of additives to offset mechanical weaknesses. The modulus of elasticity also declined by up to 30% with higher RA dosages, highlighting the critical impact of the adhered mortar quality on the overall stiffness of the concrete. According to the literature, it was noticed that, when the dosage of RCAs is increased, there is a drop in the strength activity index (SAI). When the substitute dosage exceeded 50%, the SAI decreased. These findings underscore the importance of using optimized additive combinations to improve the mechanical performance of RA concrete, making it a viable option for sustainable construction. Overall, the findings suggest that, although RAs may negatively affect certain physical traits of HSC, the use of appropriate additives can optimize its performance, making it a viable option for sustainable construction practices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Construction and Demolition Waste Management for a Sustainable Future)

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25 pages, 1139 KiB

Open AccessReview

Principles for Incorporating Recycled Materials into Airport Pavement Construction for More Sustainable Airport Pavements

by Sean Jamieson, Greg White and Luke Verstraten

Sustainability 2024, 16(17), 7586; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16177586 - 2 Sep 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2440

Abstract

Current international waste policy promotes the reduction and re-use of waste materials, and in some cases, specifically calls for the use of recycled materials in pavements. Consequently, there is a need to understand the performance of recycled materials in airport pavements, as well as the overall sustainability benefit. This paper reviews several recycled materials and their applications to asphalt concrete, cement concrete, and bound and unbound granular materials in the context of airport pavements. Additionally, it reviews sustainability quantification methods, as well as implementation challenges for using recycled materials in airport pavements. For comparing pavements with and without recycled materials, a triple bottom line approach is appropriate. The triple bottom line approach should use life cycle cost assessment and life cycle assessment for the financial and environmental impacts, respectively, as best-practice, with frameworks and guidelines already established. For social impacts, it is recommended to quantify the reduction in virgin material use which relates to intergenerational equity by ensuring access to materials by future generations. Because there are still implementation challenges for the airport pavement industry, principles are developed that aim to promote uptake of recycled materials. These principles include sorting and processing, minimising haulage distances, and ensuring performance of pavement layers through performance testing and performance-related specifications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Construction and Demolition Waste Management for a Sustainable Future)

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23 pages, 1623 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

From Waste to Renewables: Challenges and Opportunities in Recycling Glass Fibre Composite Products from Wind Turbine Blades for Sustainable Cement Production

by Sandra Bulińska, Agnieszka Sujak and Michał Pyzalski

Sustainability 2024, 16(12), 5150; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16125150 - 17 Jun 2024

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4023

Abstract

The progress of civilization, driven significantly by the widespread adoption of electricity, has impacted various aspects of life, from household operations to industrial activities. Consequently, there has been a notable increase in waste production across different sectors of the economy. Among used materials, composite products reinforced with glass fibres stand out due to their prevalent use in numerous industries. While offering strength and durability, they pose disposal challenges due to their complex composition, making recycling difficult and contributing to waste accumulation in landfills or to environmental contamination. Industrialised nations wrestle with balancing economic growth and environmental sustainability, aiming to reduce the ecological footprint of industrial activities. Efforts to promote recycling, develop alternative materials, and improve waste management practices are crucial for mitigating the environmental impact of civilisation’s progress. This article presents methods of disposing of post-operation wind turbine blades, focusing on recycling glass and glass fibre as secondary raw materials. We discuss technological, normative, and economic challenges and emphasise the need for ongoing research and innovation in waste management practices. We examine the use of glass and glass fibres in cement production and advocate for sustainable principles in the renewable energy industry, aligning industrial endeavours with ecological sustainability for a greener future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Construction and Demolition Waste Management for a Sustainable Future)

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