Crushing it? A first look at the Norwegian construction aggregates cycle through the lens of MFA
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Construction aggregates literally provide the foundation of urbanized society as key components of concrete, asphalt, and various other infrastructure applications. Norway, a country rich in quality rock for crushing, is one of the largest per-capita aggregate producers in Europe. However, its current, predominantly linear, aggregate supply chain is increasingly criticized for its impacts on material and land resource availability. A key issue is the systematic excavation and subsequent disposal of geomaterials as part of construction activities. Although these resources may demonstrate equivalent properties as the energy-intensive output from primary production, flows of construction excavation materials (CEMs) and their role in the aggregates cycle are poorly documented and understood. This work presents in-progress research towards a first quantification of the Norwegian construction aggregates system. A Material Flow Analysis is used to highlight critical information gaps and inefficient system configurations and discuss challenges and opportunities in improving resource management.
Author: Ljunge, Jonna
Institution: Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Language: English
Subfield: Environmental Engineering
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W6911774981
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