In our fast growing world, it is important to remember the scarcity of our resources and the consequences our actions have on the environment and the generations to come. It is our duty as participants in today’s and makers of the future to sustain the health of our planet.

The construction sector happens to be one one of many sectors that produce waste which is then carried to landfills (60% of landfill waste is construction waste and demolition waste – 11% of the greenhouse gas emissions). 

Construction waste either comes from the left-overs of new construction, from demolition, or from debris of big scale projects like bridges but the good news is that most of this waste can be recycled and re-used! 

so what can be recycled and re-used you may be asking well, 

The left over masonry, concrete, and asphalt could be crushed and used to make road bases whereas wood can be turned into mulch and biomass to benefit the environment or even wooden furniture that has a rustic appeal to it. On the other hand, concrete can be crushed and used as gravel. 

Masonry, Asphalt, Concrete – road bases 
Wood – Mulch & Biomass, Furniture 
Concrete – Gravel 
Gypsum board, Paper, Cardboard – reused 

Keeping in mind though that the term recycling may sound green to our ears at the moment but it is important to note that recycling comes third in the sequence when thinking of sustainability and green. (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle), thus, our first solution should be to reduce the use of materials that are non-renewable and have a negative effect on our environment or design and produce modular spaces and structures that produce less construction waste in the first place which brings up the discussion about the communication between architects and engineers and contractors but that’s a story for another day! 

Until next time tracers, stay healthy, stay strong!