Is the Concept of Zero Waste Possible to Implement in Construction?

Abstract

The scientifically treated problem of reusing building materials appeared in the literature more than 50 years ago. This paper includes an analysis of the characteristics of recycled building materials, which is a prerequisite for rational recycling. The analysis and simulation of building stocks at different scales has led to the conclusion that the most important link in the transformation of the construction industry towards the widespread use of reused materials is the unification of the demolition, storage, and redistribution systems. System solutions based on policy studies for each of the first three phases of a building’s life cycle assessment (LCA), i.e., design, legislation, and construction, were proposed. It was also recognised that the socially widespread habit of reusing building materials requires a properly conducted educational process and legalisation at the state level. This article presents proposals for educational activities along with the definition of the individual stages of the process of recycling building materials. The expected results are the decarbonisation of the building industry and communities, the growth of sustainable systems, and lowering the environmental impacts of buildings.