Abstract

ALENCAR, Mayra; LIMA, Cláudia  and  MENDONCA, Rui. A Contribution of Design to the Waste Problem Generated by the Construction Industry. Revista Convergências [online]. 2023, vol.16, n.32, pp.15-23.  Epub Dec 31, 2023. ISSN 2184-0180.  https://doi.org/10.53681/c1514225187514391s.32.199.

The construction industry is characterized as the most polluting on the Planet. This sector is responsible for considerable environmental, social, and economic impacts with the impacts at all stages of the production process. The waste generated by this industry (construction and demolition waste - CDW) represents about a third of all waste generated in the world. The production of large quantities of waste materials is one of the main obstacles faced in urban areas. Considering this problem, a possible way to reduce the consequences generated by this sector is to frame it within the circular economy, a development model focused on the maintenance and saving of resources, and which is directed at the reduction, reuse, recovery and recycling of materials and energy. The aim of this study is to identify strategies that encourage the reuse and/or recycling of this waste for design applications. Exploratory research was developed to understand the main concepts about the object of study and to analyze data on the problem of CDW, demonstrating the global and European Union scenarios, with an emphasis on the approach adopted in Portugal. n addition, direct contact was made with professionals in the field to gather relevant information. A case study approach was chosen to demonstrate practical examples of high-quality utilisation of CDW. The findings show that the cycle involving the construction industry generates impacts that make it necessary to study quick and effective solutions for the proper management of raw materials and waste.

Keywords : Ecodesign; Construction industry; Waste; Circular Economy.

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