In the heart of Tehran, a city pulsating with construction and urban development, a pressing environmental challenge has emerged: the management of construction and demolition waste (C&D waste). As the city’s skyline evolves, so too does the mountain of waste generated from these projects. A recent study, led by Mohammad Javad Amiri from the Faculty of Environment at the University of Tehran, sheds light on the environmental performance of current C&D waste management practices and offers a roadmap for improvement.
The study, published in the journal *Environmental Energy and Economic Research* (translated as *Journal of Energy, Environment and Economics*), employs Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology to evaluate the environmental impacts of C&D waste management. This approach considers the entire lifecycle of waste, from collection and transportation to disposal or recycling.
Amiri and his team analyzed the current state of affairs in Tehran, where only 19% of C&D waste is recycled. They compared this base case with two treatment scenarios: one involving a combination of landfill, sorting, and recycling, and another utilizing C&D waste in varying percentages. The results are compelling. “Our findings demonstrate the significant benefits of recycling C&D waste,” Amiri asserts. “Recycling can mitigate the impacts of non-renewable energy use, global warming, and respiratory issues caused by landfill emissions.”
The study’s life cycle inventory analysis was conducted using primary data from field studies and secondary data from the Ecoinvent 3.7 database and existing literature. The results underscore the importance of considering environmental and technical aspects in decision-making processes, rather than relying solely on economic and political factors.
For the energy sector, the implications are substantial. Effective C&D waste management can contribute to energy savings and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. As Amiri notes, “By encouraging recycling and improving waste management systems, we can make significant strides in sustainability.”
The study also highlights the need for continuous improvement in C&D waste management systems across Iran. It provides valuable data and support for future LCA studies on C&D waste, paving the way for more informed and environmentally conscious practices.
As Tehran continues to grow and evolve, the insights from this research could shape the future of urban development and waste management in the city and beyond. By embracing recycling and sustainable practices, stakeholders can reduce environmental impacts and foster a more resilient and eco-friendly urban landscape. The study serves as a call to action for producers, recyclers, and organizations to prioritize environmental performance in their operations, ensuring a healthier and more sustainable future for all.