Recycled C&D waste- An energy efficient and sustainable construction material

Abstract

Construction and demolition (C&D) wastes are generated with construction or demolition activities and consists of non biodegradable materials such as cement concrete, bricks, plaster, steel, rubble, woods, plastics etc. Large use of natural recourses for the production of construction materials such as concrete is a prime concern for sustainability. In order to minimize the environmental impacts in terms of energy consumption, pollution, waste disposal and global warming construction industries has started to look for new alternative sources which are capable of substituting the use of natural materials, also some attempts were taken to utilize the waste generated from the demolition of structures and construction activity. The main benefits from the recycling of C&D waste are conservation of natural resources, reduction in energy consumption, solution for waste disposal crisis, environment preservation. Its use reduces reliance on primary aggregates and lowers the environmental impact of construction.