APPLICATION OF LCA TO CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION WASTE MANAGEMENT IN LOMBARDY REGION (ITALY)

Author(s): G. Borghi, S. Pantini, L. Rigamonti
Paper category: Proceedings
Book title: IV International Conference Progress of Recycling in the Built Environment
Editor(s): Isabel M. Martins, Carina Ulsen, Yury Villagran
ISBN:
e-ISBN: 978-2-35158-208-4
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Publication year: 2018
Pages: 194-201
Total Pages: 08
Language : English

Abstract: Construction and Demolition Waste (CDW) has been identified as a priority waste stream by
the European Union due to its significant production level and its high recycling potential. In
this context the local government of Lombardy Region is placing increasing efforts towards
the establishment of more sustainable and resource-efficient CDW management. The present
research has been commissioned to assess the environmental performance of the current
CDW management system by applying the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology. The

focus has been placed on the waste fraction mostly present in CDW that is the mixed non-
hazardous waste. In the recycling plants this fraction is usually blended with cement, tiles,

ceramics, bituminous mixture and gypsum-based waste to obtain mixed recycled aggregates.
These are mostly used in the road construction works and in environmental fillings/restoration
in substitution of natural raw material. The LCA of the current management system showed
that the induced environmental impacts are higher than the benefits arising from the recycling
activities. At the same time the current system performs better than a scenario where all the
CDW is landfilled. Based on these results and on several sensitivity and scenario analyses,
recommendations have been provided to the local government.

Online publication : 2018
Publication type : full_text
Public price (Euros) : 0.00