New Technologies for New Materials and Products from Construction and Demolition Waste

Abstract

Construction and demolition waste (CDW) accounted for almost 36% of total waste produced in the European Union in 2018. Growing recovery rates are achieved but mainly for low-value applications. Variable composition and characteristics undermine customers’ confidence who prefers primary materials with certified properties and at more competitive value/cost. Zero energy and waste targets are driving to rethink the waste value chain, necessitating a search for new technologies to reduce carbon emissions and waste volumes towards a more efficient and circular system. This paper presents an outline of the approaches to enhance CDW management that will be developed in the newly funded Horizon Europe project RECONMATIC. This project will develop digital and automated solutions to support advanced CDW management towards zero targets and will explore applications of technologies at different phases of the asset whole life cycle. Technical issues will be considered in aspects such as material segregation, pre-demolition audits, selective deconstruction, waste traceability procedures, as well as broader economical-societal issues such as business model, health & safety, sustainability, and technology readiness level. RECONMATIC aims to usher a paradigm change in CDW management by helping the construction industry taking a step change in circular economy development.