In the heart of Taipei, where the urban landscape is a blend of modernity and aging infrastructure, a pressing issue looms large: the management of construction and demolition waste (CDW). Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, a prominent researcher from the Department of Civil Engineering at National Taipei University of Technology, has shed light on this critical challenge, publishing his findings in the journal ‘Buildings’. His research not only highlights the current state of CDW in Taiwan but also offers a roadmap for sustainable management, with implications that resonate far beyond the island’s shores.
Taiwan, nestled in an earthquake-prone region, is grappling with a significant number of aging houses. According to Dr. Chen, “The proportion of buildings over 40 years old has surged to 34.0%, a stark increase from 22.0% in 2011.” This aging infrastructure is not just a local concern; it mirrors a global trend where urban renewal projects are generating massive amounts of CDW. The demolition floor area in Taiwan alone has doubled from 1.5 million m2 in 2006 to 2.5 million m2 in 2023, resulting in over 2 million tons of CDW annually.
The commercial impact of this waste is profound, particularly for the energy sector. The construction industry is a significant contributor to global carbon emissions, accounting for more than one-third of the total. Effective CDW management could drastically reduce these emissions, aligning with global net-zero carbon goals by 2050. Dr. Chen’s research underscores the potential for recycled CDW materials to lower the demand for raw materials and minimize landfill volumes, thereby reducing the environmental footprint of the construction industry.
One of the key findings of Dr. Chen’s study is the material flow analysis, which reveals that while 100% of the raw material for concrete is domestic, 100% of the raw material for brick is imported. This disparity highlights the need for a more sustainable approach to material sourcing and recycling. Currently, waste concrete and brick are primarily used as subgrade filling materials, but there is a pressing need to recycle them into new construction materials.
The challenges are clear: the lack of cost-effective recycling technology, the increasing quantity of CDW, and the limited capacity of landfills. However, opportunities abound. Dr. Chen points out that “the high potential for reducing carbon emissions from CDW and the increasing awareness of the circular economy present significant opportunities.” By extending the lifespan of buildings, increasing the use of reused or recycled CDW, and promoting proper management of final waste disposal, the construction industry can move towards a nearly zero-carbon-emission future.
Dr. Chen’s research, published in ‘Buildings’, serves as a clarion call for action. It underscores the urgent need for sustainable CDW management, not just in Taiwan but globally. As cities around the world embark on urban renewal projects, the lessons from Taiwan could shape future developments in the field. The construction industry stands at a crossroads, and the path forward lies in embracing innovative recycling technologies and circular economy principles. The future of sustainable construction is not just about building new structures; it’s about reimagining the lifecycle of existing materials and minimizing waste.
