Work

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

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: 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 CO 2 e/m 2 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 CO 2 e/m 2 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.

Source: Sustainable Development

DOI: 10.1002/sd.70350

Authors: Lea Hasselsteen, Aleksander P. Otovic, Harpa Birgisdóttir, Kai Kanafani

Institution: Aalborg University

Language: English

Topic: Environmental Impact and Sustainability

Subfield: Environmental Engineering

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Climate action, Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,250