Work

Research on carbon reduction benefits and spatial optimization of construction waste resource utilization under transport distance thresholds: A case study in Jiangsu, China

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The construction industry is a significant source of global carbon emissions and generates massive amounts of construction and demolition waste (CDW), making its resource utilization crucial for a low-carbon transition. While life cycle assessment (LCA) has been applied, the dynamic threshold effect of transportation distance on carbon reduction benefits remains poorly quantified, often overlooking spatial distribution factors. This study conducts a comprehensive LCA of a CDW resource utilization center in China, comparing the carbon emissions of resource utilization against direct landfilling. Monte Carlo simulation and global sensitivity analysis were employed to address parameter uncertainties. Furthermore, a novel three-dimensional spatial optimization model was developed to identify critical transportation distance thresholds. The results show that although the carbon intensity of recycling (6.85 kg CO2e/t) is higher than landfilling (4.27 kg CO2e/t), leveraging the transportation advantage of recycled aggregates (Δd = 80 km) yields a net reduction of 5.08 kg CO2e/t. The resource utilization rate (α) is the most sensitive parameter. Spatial optimization reveals that the sum of the distances from the CDW source to the resource utilization center (d1) and from the center to the user (d4) must be dynamically adjusted based on the landfill distance (d3). For instance, when the landfill is near urban areas (d3 < 20 km), d1 + d4 must be ≤ 80 km to ensure carbon benefits. This study provides a scientific basis for CDW management and logistics planning, advocating for a "distributed resource utilization centers + regional landfills" strategy to maximize carbon reduction.

Source: Case Studies in Construction Materials

DOI: 10.1016/j.cscm.2026.e05804