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- Title
End of life of buildings: three alternatives, two scenarios. A case study.
- Authors
Martínez, Eva; Nuñez, Yolanda; Sobaberas, Elena
- Abstract
Purpose: The objective of this case study is to identify the relevant processes needed in the environmental assessment of the end of life of a building and to identify the demolition process variables that significantly affect energy consumption and emissions of greenhouse gases. Different scenarios of demolition, based on three alternatives for managing construction and demolition waste (C&DW) generated during demolition works, are analyzed. This study is based upon typical construction and demolition practices and waste management in Spain. Methods: Life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology is applied to assess objectively and quantitatively different C&DW management plans during the design phase and to identify the significant environmental aspects. The impact categories considered are global warming potential and human toxicity potential. Furthermore, the indicator primary energy (non renewable energy from fossil fuels) is also studied. Results: Design of C&DW management plans to enhance the recovery of waste, reducing significantly the selected environmental indicators, was assessed in this study. Waste transport from the demolition work to the treatment plant and the transport of the non-recyclable fraction to the final disposal, as well as the fuel consumption in hydraulic demolition equipment and in the loading/unloading equipment of the treatment plants, are the most significant environmental aspects associated with the management plan based on a selective demolition, whereas in a conventional demolition process, the main environmental aspect is waste transport from the demolition work to final disposal. Conclusions: LCA studies allow an assessment of different demolition processes. A tool for recording environmental data has been developed. This tool provides in a systematic manner life cycle inventory and life cycle impact assessment of the end of life of a building, facilitating the study of management plans in the design phase.
- Subjects
DEMOLITION; BUILDING trades education; FUEL; POWER resources; FOSSIL fuel power plants
- Publication
International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, 2013, Vol 18, Issue 5, p1082
- ISSN
0948-3349
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1007/s11367-013-0566-4