In the heart of Saudi Arabia, a groundbreaking study is reshaping how we think about construction and demolition waste (CDW) management. Led by Qudsia Kanwal, a researcher at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), the study offers a comprehensive life cycle assessment (LCA) of CDW management practices across seventeen municipalities. The findings, published in Cleaner Environmental Systems, could have significant implications for the energy sector and sustainable urban development.
Saudi Arabia’s rapid urbanization and ambitious Giga Projects under Vision 2030 have led to a surge in construction activities, generating vast amounts of CDW. Traditional disposal methods like sanitary landfilling and incineration have proven environmentally taxing, prompting the need for more sustainable solutions. Kanwal’s research, conducted under the KAUST Climate and Livability Initiative, delves into the environmental impacts of these disposal methods and highlights the benefits of advanced recycling infrastructure.
The study integrates primary and secondary data from local sources, along with international databases like Ecoinvent 3.91 and GaBi Sphera, to evaluate key CDW disposal methods. The results are striking. Advanced recycling infrastructure, such as compactor trucks and recycling facilities, significantly reduces non-renewable energy use and Global Warming Potential (GWP). In high CDW-generating regions like Riyadh and Jeddah, recycling can achieve a GWP reduction of up to 75 million kg CO2-eq annually for key materials like mixed soil and concrete.
Kanwal emphasizes the commercial potential of these findings. “By adopting advanced recycling technologies, we can not only mitigate environmental impacts but also create economic opportunities,” she says. “The energy sector, in particular, stands to benefit from the reduced demand for non-renewable resources and the potential for waste-to-energy initiatives.”
The study’s replicable LCA framework offers valuable insights for policymakers, urban planners, and researchers. It provides a roadmap for developing sustainable CDW management strategies aligned with circular economy principles and international sustainability goals. For the energy sector, this means a shift towards more sustainable practices that can reduce carbon footprints and enhance energy efficiency.
Moreover, the research underscores the importance of waste valorization—the process of converting waste materials into new products of better economic value. This approach can lead to the development of innovative materials and technologies, further driving commercial growth and sustainability.
As Saudi Arabia continues to invest in its infrastructure, the insights from Kanwal’s study could shape future developments in the field. By prioritizing recycling and sustainable waste management, the country can achieve its environmental goals while fostering economic growth. The study, published in Cleaner Environmental Systems, translates to “Cleaner Environmental Systems” in English, underscores the global relevance of these findings. As other rapidly urbanizing economies face similar challenges, the framework developed by Kanwal and her team offers a beacon of hope for a more sustainable future.
In an era where environmental sustainability and economic growth are increasingly intertwined, Kanwal’s research serves as a testament to the power of innovative thinking. By embracing advanced recycling technologies and sustainable waste management practices, we can build a future that is not only prosperous but also environmentally responsible.