Page 229 - Kỷ yếu hội thảo quốc tế: Ứng dụng công nghệ mới trong công trình xanh - lần thứ 9 (ATiGB 2024)

220 TRƯỜNG ĐẠI HỌC SƯ PHẠM KỸ THUẬT - ĐẠI HỌC ĐÀ NẴNG

MAXIMIZING RESOURCE EFFICIENCY:

CIRCULAR ECONOMY APPROACHES

TO RECYCLING AND UPCYCLING

IN CONSTRUCTION

2
M.Deepika , AR.Nived Narendran , AR.N.Jothilakshmy 3
1
1 B.arch. Saveetha College of Architecture and Design,
Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India; deepika1002.scad@saveetha.com
2 Saveetha College of Architecture and Design ,
Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India; nivednarendran1@gmail.com
3 Professor and principal, Saveetha College of Architecture and Design
Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India; jothilakshmyn@gmail.com
Abstract: The Construction industry is one of the major economic benefits of adopting circular economy principles.
consumers of enormous natural resources and creates This study aims to provide insights into barriers, practices,
massive solid waste worldwide. However, in the modern challenges, and opportunities connected with recycling and
world with the increasing focus on sustainability, the upcycling in construction through a literature review, and
increasing interest in adopting circular economy approaches case studies. This research seeks to advance sustainable
to minimize waste, conserve resources, and reduce development goals and the transition towards a more
environmental impacts in construction projects has also resourceefficient built environment by promoting the
increased. This research investigates the current state of integration of circular economy principles into construction
recycling and upcycling initiatives in the construction practices.
industry, explores strategies and methods for maximizing Keywords: Circular Economy, Recycling, Upcycling,
resource efficiency, and analyzes the environmental and Sustainability, Utilization of resources.
1. INTRODUCTION value of products and materials through strategies
such as recycling, upcycling, and utilization. In the
In today's world, the construction industry plays construction industry, embracing circular economy
an important role in molding the built environment, principles holds immense promise to reshape
providing the infrastructure essential for community traditional practices, mitigate environmental impacts,
progress. There is a strong interconnection between and foster innovation across the industry ecosystem
the two as the construction industry is projected to [4]. Recycling and upcycling are crucial components
expand globally by 3.6%, while the economy is of circular economy construction concepts. Where
anticipated to grow annually at a rate of recycling is the recovery and processing of waste
approximately 2.5-3% [1]. While the building sector materials like concrete, metals, and plastics to create
is vital for driving global urban growth, it also new construction products or components. Meanwhile,
involves significant extraction of resources on a large upcycling is the reusing or renovation of existing
scale. Traditionally, the construction industry has materials or structures, giving them a new lease on
operated under a non-sustainable, linear economic life while adding value.
framework characterized by the "take, make, dispose"
concept, a pattern that persists today [2]. where
resources are harvested from natural sources,
converted into goods, and eventually utilized in
construction projects. This linear approach does not
allow the constructed facilities to be disassembled and
reused. As a result, they become obsolete as the
facility reaches the end of its useful life. However,
this must change in the age of sustainability and
global greening programs [3]. The circular economy
(CE) concept has evolved as an effective framework
for achieving sustainability by reestablishing how Fig. 1. Comparison of linear and circular economy
materials and resources are used throughout their 2. LITERATURE REVIEW
existence. The concept of circular economy aims to a) Circular economy
reduce waste, conserve resources, and enhance the

ISBN: 978-604-80-9779-0