Increasing Use of Technology in Construction Waste Management for Sector Stakeholders

Background: Construction&Demolition Waste (C&D) is at the forefront of essential issues in the environmental context. According to EU Construction & Demolition Waste Management Protocol "Based on volume, Construction, and Demolition (C&D) waste is the largest waste stream in the EU – it represents about one-third of all waste produced." With the proper management of C&D waste starting from the project investment and design stages, significant positive impacts can be achieved in sustainability, quality of life, prevention of resource waste, and energy saving.
The amount of CDW in urban areas is still not known exactly. In construction waste, there is a saying 'You can't improve what you can't measure'. According to the European Commission published Service Contract on Management of Construction and Demolition Waste "8 countries report recycling rates lower than 40% (Cyprus, Czech Republic, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Poland, Portugal, and Spain)"
Traditional construction techniques prevent contractors from getting accurate information on how their projects will progress. For this reason, projects are often carried out over time and budget, creating huge construction waste. McKinsey reports that "98 percent of mega projects are over 30 percent cost overrun, and 77 percent of mega projects are at least 40 percent completed late." Also, up to 30% of all building materials delivered to a typical construction site can end up as waste nowadays. At this stage, today's technological developments provide us with new opportunities in cost overruns, implementation schedules, and construction waste management.
For example, AI Technology, 3D Printing, 4D Modeling, Augmented Reality, and Virtual Planning contribute to the construction industry in many stages.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) strategy for managing C&D waste and achieving environmental and economic benefits, there are four phases to focus on. These are reduce, reuse, recycle, and repurchase. It is essential to know which technological developments can support these phases.

REDUCE:
Using fewer resources is the first step to prevent materials from entering the waste stream. It is clear that the fewer resources that can be used, the less waste will be generated.
- Renovation and use of existing buildings
- Sizing new structures correctly
- Using of materials in new buildings
Tech: BIM Modelling, 3D Scanning, AI, AR, 3D Printing

REUSE:
The second phase aims to reuse as much as possible. According to data from the Environmental Protection Agency(EPA), more than 75% of all construction waste from wood, drywall, asphalt shingles, bricks, and tiles ends up in landfills. It means that predominantly of the building elements that may be reused or sold are construction waste because the necessary design and planning are not done.
Tech: 3D Scanning, AI, Internet of Things, Online Sales App

RECYCLE:
Many building components are recycled, usually where their market is. Qualified separation and storage of construction wastes are substantial for suitable recycling.
Tech: Robot, 3D Printing, New Building Material Design

REBUY:
Many building components are recycled, usually where their market is. Qualified separation and storage of construction wastes is substantial for suitable recycling. There are many benefits to buying used C&D materials and recycled building materials for use in new construction.
-Boost the local economy as reclaimed materials are typically produced locally.
-Reduce construction and renovation costs while maintaining the functionality and performance of the building.
Tech: Online Sales App