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End of life of buildings: three alternatives, two scenarios. A case study

  • LCA OF WASTE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
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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.

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Acknowledgments

In this case study, data identified as significant during the development of the task T4.2. Environmental simulation/monitoring of demolition for data collection, of the sub-project 4 of the Singular and Strategic Project “Quantitative analysis of the life cycle environmental impact of buildings in terms of energy demand and associated GHG emissions, PSE CICLOPE Project (2012),” co-financed by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Technology and the European Regional Development Fund under the National Scientific Research, Development and Technological Innovation Plan 2008–2011 were extracted. Furthermore, the authors wish to thank iMat-Construction Technologies for its coordination and technical review of the project activities.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Fundación Centro Tecnológico de Miranda de Ebro (CTME), Pol. Ind. Bayas R60-61, 09200, Miranda de Ebro, Spain

    Eva Martínez, Yolanda Nuñez & Elena Sobaberas

Authors
  1. Eva Martínez
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  2. Yolanda Nuñez
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  3. Elena Sobaberas
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Eva Martínez.

Additional information

Responsible editor: Alexander Passer

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Martínez, E., Nuñez, Y. & Sobaberas, E. End of life of buildings: three alternatives, two scenarios. A case study. Int J Life Cycle Assess 18, 1082–1088 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11367-013-0566-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11367-013-0566-4

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