Advancing Circular Economy Through Optimized Construction and Demolition Waste Management Under Life Cycle Approach

The construction industry significantly impacts the environment, consuming 50% of natural resources and generating 20% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In developing countries, managing construction and demolition (C&D) waste is a growing challenge due to rapid urbanization and inadequate waste management practices. This study employs life cycle assessment and life cycle costing to compare landfill and recycling scenarios for C&D waste using ISO 14040 (Environmental Management—Life Cycle Assessment—Principles and Framework) and ISO 14044 (Environmental Management—Life Cycle Assessment—Requirements and Guidelines). The study’s system boundary encompasses the entire life cycle of C&D waste management, with one ton of C&D waste as the functional unit. The results demonstrated that landfilling C&D waste is harmful due to negative impacts from transportation and landfill emissions. Recycling shows promising potential by significantly reducing environmental impacts and lowering the demand for new raw materials. The recycling scenario substantially decreased GHG emissions, saving 37 kg of CO2 equivalents per ton of waste. Economically, recycling C&D waste proved more viable, with favorable indicators. Implementing a recycling plant in Lahore could save USD 2.53 per ton in resource costs and mitigate significant environmental impacts. This study recommends that policymakers in developing countries prioritize C&D waste recycling to enhance sustainability and support the transition to a circular economy. The findings provide valuable insights for developing effective waste management strategies, contributing to environmental conservation and economic efficiency. These recommendations guide future initiatives for sustainable C&D waste management, promoting a greener and more resilient urban environment. Furthermore, this study underlines the potential of C&D waste recycling to contribute significantly to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly sustainable cities (SDG 11), responsible consumption and production (SDG 12), and climate action (SDG 13).