In the heart of Bangkok, a groundbreaking study led by Issara Sereewatthanawut from King Prajadhipok’s Institute is reshaping how we think about demolition waste and sustainable construction. The research, published in the journal ‘Buildings’ (translated as ‘อาคาร’ in Thai), focuses on aluminum composite panels (ACPs) recovered from a public sector building renovation, offering a blueprint for a more circular and green construction industry in Thailand and beyond.
Sereewatthanawut and his team employed knowledge management (KM) strategies to optimize material recovery, demonstrating that demolition waste isn’t just junk—it’s a valuable resource. “We’re talking about a paradigm shift here,” Sereewatthanawut explains. “By integrating KM into waste management planning, construction companies can unlock significant economic, environmental, and social benefits.”
The study’s cost/benefit analysis (CBA) revealed that repurposing ACP waste as signboards is the most viable option, with a cost/benefit (C/B) ratio of 0.96. This scenario not only makes economic sense but also aligns with Thailand’s national strategies for green building promotion and its long-term Net Zero 2065 target. “This is a starting point for green certification,” Sereewatthanawut notes. “It’s about creating a ripple effect that drives the entire industry towards sustainability.”
The research also highlights the potential of refurbishing ACP waste as new facades, although this scenario requires reduced labor costs through training to become economically viable. A sensitivity analysis further underscores the robustness of the repurposing scenario, even under varying conditions.
The implications for the construction and energy sectors are profound. As buildings account for a significant portion of global energy consumption and carbon emissions, the circular economy approach championed by Sereewatthanawut’s study could play a pivotal role in reducing the sector’s environmental footprint. Moreover, the study’s focus on cost/benefit analysis provides a practical framework for companies to evaluate and implement sustainable practices.
“This research is a wake-up call for the industry,” says Sereewatthanawut. “It’s not just about being green; it’s about being smart with our resources and making a profit while doing so.”
As Thailand and other nations strive to meet their green building targets, studies like this one will be instrumental in shaping policies and practices that foster a low-carbon, resource-efficient construction sector. The journey towards a sustainable future starts with a single step—and in this case, that step involves reimagining the potential of demolition waste.