In the bustling world of construction and demolition (C&D), a silent battle is being waged against environmental degradation. Mohammad Amin Havaei, a researcher at the School of Civil Engineering, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran, is leading the charge with a groundbreaking study published in ‘Cleaner Environmental Systems’ (or ‘Purer Environmental Systems’).
Rapid urbanization in developing countries has intensified the socio-environmental impacts of C&D, contributing significantly to global environmental pollution. Despite numerous efforts, existing frameworks often fall short, neglecting the full spectrum of indicators and stakeholder priorities. Havaei’s research aims to bridge this gap by addressing the complexities and variety in construction methods, offering a holistic framework that encompasses the entire C&D lifecycle.
Havaei explains, “The key challenge in this field is the fragmentation of sustainability policies, market dynamics, and stakeholder implementation. Our research integrates the Parsimonious Spherical Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (P-SF-AHP), Circular Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (C-LCSA), and pre- and post-statistical analyses to provide a comprehensive solution.”
The study, which involved 43 multidisciplinary experts over six months, identified 21 C&D-caused pollutants and revealed critical conflicts within existing strategies and standards. The findings underscore the primacy of air, noise, and water pollution in regional contexts, providing stakeholders with quantitative tools for C&D-caused pollutant assessment.
The implications for the energy sector are profound. As urbanization continues to surge, the demand for sustainable construction practices becomes increasingly urgent. By transitioning from linear to spherical sustainability models, the construction industry can significantly reduce its environmental footprint, potentially leading to substantial energy savings and a more circular economy.
Havaei emphasizes, “Our framework supports the transition from linear to spherical sustainability models in rapidly urbanizing regions. This could revolutionize how we approach construction and demolition, aligning policies, goals, regulations, markets, and stakeholder mindsets more effectively.”
The research not only provides a roadmap for more sustainable construction practices but also highlights the need for a more integrated approach to environmental management. By addressing the full spectrum of pollutants and stakeholder priorities, Havaei’s work could shape future developments in the field, fostering a more sustainable and environmentally conscious construction industry.
As the world continues to urbanize, the insights from this research could be pivotal in mitigating the environmental impacts of construction and demolition, paving the way for a greener, more sustainable future.
