Sustainable construction: construction and demolition waste reconsidered

Although the construction sector has suffered a great increase and development in later decades acting as the main economic leading force in many European countries, it has produced, nevertheless, a great problem regarding the increase in the generation of construction and demolition waste (C&DW). This, together with the fact that in many European countries the amount of recycled and reused C&DW is still quite low has engendered a serious environmental problem and an urge to develop strategies and management plans to solve it. As it is well known, demolition waste has quite a potential for reuse, although a correct and available development within the construction industry is, to a great extend, still missing due to the lack of sustainable and practical mechanisms provided. This article summarizes the different applications that are presently prospering in the elaboration of alternative uses for C&DW and proposes various measures and strategies to improve the processing of this waste. In order to be environmentally more effective, a conscious and thoughtful management plan needs to be implemented. More precisely, this study unfolds a holistic approach towards waste, in which ethical, and environmental as well as new applications in construction issues interact in order to improve the situation in an attempt to come closer to the future goal of achieving a sustainable growth