Construction & Demolition Waste

The construction sector is the most resource intensive sector in the world. It is responsible for more than half of the total global resource consumption and more than a third of the world's energy associated emissions.  The construction sector, and its integration with demolition, is one of CVORR's case studies.

The CVORR approach, unlike other methodologies, has regard for examining the functional value (or loss of value) which is associated with common demolition practices, even if generic recycling of materials is achieved.   In contrast, the reuse of construction products is considered to be a material and carbon saving practice as it can address both waste and carbon emission regulatory targets.  This practice offers the possibility to conserve resources through the reclamation of structural components and the carbon embedded in them, as well as opportunities for the development of new business models and the creation of environmental, economic, technical and social value.

The CVORR approach to construction and demolition waste focuses on the identification and analysis of existing interventions that can promote the reuse of construction components, and seeks to outline the barriers and opportunities arising from this practice.  CVORR will seek to establish a typology system based on the properties and lifetime of construction components, how they are used and reused, in order to make the CVORR approach transferable to construction design and contracting.