In the relentless pursuit of sustainability, the construction industry is finding innovative ways to transform its waste into valuable resources. A groundbreaking review published in the journal ‘Developments in the Built Environment’ (translated from English) sheds light on the environmental impacts of upcycling construction and demolition waste (CDW), offering a roadmap for a more circular and eco-friendly future. Led by Ying Chen from the School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure, and Society at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, the study provides a comprehensive overview of how Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) has been used to evaluate the environmental benefits of CDW upcycling.
The construction sector is one of the largest producers of waste, with CDW accounting for a significant portion of landfill materials. However, upcycling these materials not only reduces waste but also enhances material performance and functional value. “Upcycling CDW is not just about waste management; it’s about creating new opportunities for the energy sector and beyond,” Chen explains. By turning waste into resources, the industry can reduce its carbon footprint, decrease reliance on virgin materials, and contribute to a more circular economy.
The review, which analyzed 46 studies published between 2010 and 2025, reveals that recycled concrete waste materials are the primary focus of upcycling research. Among the various upcycling methods, physical processing is the most commonly used due to its fundamental role in material transformation. A significant proportion of upcycled CDW materials is applied in structural applications, particularly as load-bearing components in buildings and infrastructure.
The study highlights that upcycling technologies are still in the developmental stage, with existing research mainly focusing on the environmental benefits from resource extraction to production. “The impacts of CDW upcycling on air pollution and climate change are particularly noteworthy,” Chen notes. As the industry continues to innovate, the environmental benefits of upcycling are becoming increasingly apparent.
To systematically integrate LCA research for CDW upcycling, the study develops a Structural Framework for Upcycling and a Technical Framework for LCA. These frameworks aim to provide a comprehensive LCA framework, optimize the sustainability of upcycling processes, and improve the accuracy of LCA calculations. Future research should concentrate on these key areas to enhance LCA applications in CDW upcycling.
The implications for the energy sector are significant. As the demand for sustainable building materials grows, the upcycling of CDW presents a unique opportunity for the energy sector to reduce its environmental impact. By integrating LCA into the upcycling process, the industry can make more informed decisions about material use, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and circular economy.
This research, published in ‘Developments in the Built Environment,’ provides a valuable roadmap for researchers and practitioners. As the construction industry continues to evolve, the insights gained from this study will be instrumental in shaping future developments in the field. The journey towards a circular economy is complex, but with innovative research and a commitment to sustainability, the construction industry is well on its way to a greener future.