Environmental Issues

With global warming, environmental pollution and the mass development being undertaken by man, the planet is under extreme stress in trying to equalize and balance the livable environment currently available to human beings. With time, the degradation will reach an irreversible point and the existence of biological life will be in jeopardy. Based on this premise, scientists, researchers and environmentally conscious governments and people are trying hard to act fast and proactively to delay, or somehow reverse the ecological degradation before it is too late.

The topic of construction and demolition waste has sounded various alarms in the past, but most recently, the stress on properly addressing the issue has reached various corners of the economy. To understand the implications construction and demolition waste has on the environment, it is important to consider what it construction and demolition waste really is.

Due to mans extravagant development needs, more building processes are taking place across the globe. This means the construction business has soared, and with requirements of building activity, resources are needed as well. When any activity as the above mentioned takes place, whether it be classified as building a skyscraper, as compared to a road, building materials are used. More than often, all materials are not used. At the same time, a lot of the material that is used is either degraded or turned into waste, or simply unusable.  These materials can consist of plastics, concrete, metals, glass, or even wood. The excess or reduced waste produced by construction processes, or the waste generated by demolition processes are both environmentally taxing. These materials are often large in nature and have a high density. They do not biodegrade, meaning they have to be stored in either landfills or incinerated. Both procedures seriously harm the environment in the form of waste of space, air pollution and disease coupling.  They not only tax global economies with the need for higher energy, but at the same time cause enormous inconvenience to human life.

Demolition and construction waste is often categorized into two components (Tam,  Tam, 2008) major contributors and minor contributors. The major contributors include materials such as bricks, cement, steel, rubble, stone and timber wood. These items contribute to waste in the form of demolition or construction of items such as windows panes, railings, support panels etc. In the demolition of houses or small buildings, timber wood is wasted to an enormous degree. In the end, the very materials that were used end up becoming waste materials which negatively affect the environment. Minor contributors include iron and plastics which are used in electrical circuits, piping procedures or other smaller panels. Once removed or placed, the material left over is of no use to constructors and builders. This eventually leads to an increase in waste as well.

Background analysis
The issue of demolition and construction wastage has plagued the planet for a good length of time. But even so, the inconsistency in statistical compilations and the lack of data to compliment the obvious, it is hard to assess the exact damage done by these waste materials to the environment. However, research has shown that out of the total municipal solid wastes, construction and demolition wastage contributes a massive 30 to the total number (Kibert, 2007). What is surprising is that all municipal solid wastes comprise approximately 14 of the global waste generated annually
To judge global wastage, statistics show that people in OECD countries generally dispose 5.3 Kilograms of waste per day, per person. The populations from lesser developed countries dispose of around 0.8 kilograms per day, per person (GDRC.Org). These trends are fast changing as the world collapses into a consumer driven society bent on having more than what is needed. Ratios from both ends of the world are increasing, and the increase in overall waste is set to increase.

Since the topic at hand is the recycling of construction and demolition waste, it is important to discuss the current trends in disposal of such items. Currently, the global waste finds its way to landfills 57-86 of the time. The data below shows the percentage of waste disposed through different methods on different continents.

The wastage trends are drastically increasing. The Basel Convention which deals with various issues including the management of waste materials concluded that from 2000-2001, the amount of waste generated annually increased by 20 million tons. The number has risen considerably since then. However, there are certain hopes and silver linings to this issue. In 1989, Nova Scotia in Canada decided to reduce wastage by half. Using better recycling and waste disposal methods, they were able to decrease the waste that ended up in incinerators by 46 (GDRC.Org).

Thesis Statement
The purpose of this paper is to examine the affects of construction and demolition waste on the environment, and provide methods and techniques which can help with the reduction, reusing and recyclability of the said waste. The research will be based on secondary data, and an analysis will be based upon the ideals currently in practice in the global atmosphere and how they can be improved.
During the later part of this paper, various government regulations in different countries and internationally acclaimed standards of quality and environmental stability will be analyzed and their affects on trying to reduce the damage done by construction and demolition waste will be stated. The aim is to provide an argument substantial enough to favor the cause of recycling in the industries producing construction and demolition waste.

Finally, a conclusion based on the facts and data stated in the paper will be offered. The aim of the paper is to augment the support for recycling construction and demolition waste.

Properties of Construction and demolition waste
Construction and demolition waste can be generated from various sources. However, their properties are dependent on the type of site being used in the process of building, demolition or reconstruction. Depending on the site, the level and properties of waste can vary (Kibert, 2007). Based on that premise, construction and demolition waste can vary according to the following sites (Haggar, 2007)
Demolition Sites -  where only demolition is to take place, and everything is to be broken down
Demolition and building sites  where after demolition, a new building has to be created
Restructuring sites  design changes, fitting changes and structural changes to already existing buildings has to be made

Undeveloped sites  undeveloped land, where building is scheduled to take place in the near future
Road side and refurbishing sites  development of roads, and refurbishment of roads
Demolition sites create the most wastage since everything that was once used to build the structure will be turned into waste. Similarly, other properties based on site designs change based upon the structural objective of the builders. Different sites create different forms of waste.

Methods and steps of construction and demolition waste collection
The generally followed hierarchy in the management of waste is a set methodology which goes from a step by step process towards the end of the cycle. This management cycle is often used as the basis for the collection of waste due to construction and demolition processes.

The first step involves reducing the amount of materials required to build a given structure. Using structural redesigns and new engineering methods, most constructors are now trying to efficient and effectively allocate resources so that the minimum amount of raw materials are used in the construction of a building, while protecting quality standards (Hobbs,  Establishment, 1996). This benefits both the environment and the constructor at the same time, since it saves their costs as well. Better estimation techniques in the use of materials and resource optimization, constructors can decrease the use of construction materials. This eventually leads to a direct decrease in the waste produced by construction and demolition processes, leading to better waste management.

The second step generally taken by developers is that of reuse. Materials that can be reused in future processes are collected and stored. Since these materials are put in use later, they do not become the waste that plagues our planet. Instead, most developers are now collecting waste which can be reused for both onsite use and offsite use. These materials can be reflected as roof tiles, fire places, and other materials which can be salvaged from the pile of waste created to be put into later use (Hobbs,  Establishment, 1996). This steps further decreases the waste content to the total since reused material does not count as waste.

The third step is checking for recyclable materials. Any material that can be salvaged and reassessed to create a new material can constitute as recycled. This often includes scrap steel which, after processing, can be used in construction processes again. It involves collecting iron bars, melting and molding them into new usable iron. Even concrete can be salvaged, recycled and use to produce materials for filling holes. Bituminous and asphalt bound materials can be regenerated and recycled in road development processes as well (Hobbs,  Establishment, 1996). These can be used in other developmental projects later. Recycling reuses, after value addition, many of the waste materials that are generated during construction and demolition. Since the end quantity of waste is decreased, the process becomes environmentally friendly and useful in the decreasing of overall waste contents.
Finally, the last two stages are incineration and land filling. When none of the above methods can be utilized, builders are left with little but no option but to either burn the waste, if it is burnable, and if it is not, the waste it sent to landfills (Haggar, 2007). Both factors are environmentally taxing but are methods of waste management. Incinerations produce harmful toxins which cause air pollution and can lead to devastating effects on the environment. Land filling leads to collecting of waste which creates a zone for disease to be produced and is an environmentally unfriendly practice.

Best Method
Based on the above arguments, it is clear that there is no one set method that can be employed. Builders use a variety of methods depending on the site design and construction patterns being employed. However, it is clear that the best options of waste management are based on the 3 Rs. These include, Reduce, Re-use and recycle (Hobbs,  Establishment, 1996). The 3 Rs model is perfect for protecting the environment and observing better waste management processes.

When waste from construction and demolition processes are reused, the final waste content is far lesser in comparison. Thus, less waste is incinerated or ends up  in landfills, decreasing the negative effects on the environment. Similarly, recycling in itself is a positive prospect which has been identified as the best method through this paper. Not only is waste reused but is also put to a different use through value addition. It not only decreases the costs to the environments but to the manufacturer and builder as well. Finally, the efficient and efficient resource allocation and material selection from the beginning develops streamlined efficient building processes (Haggar, 2007). Because of this, the overall waste content is streamlined and only that waste is created which cannot be controlled.

Government policies
Various global governments have taken a stand to environmental degradation in recent years. as such, many have developed new policies and procedures which keep checks and balances on environmental reforms. The wastage materials caused by construction and demolition works have come under necessary scrutiny by various governments and as such, the United States has been one of the first to introduce checks on the built sector in this regard. Various legislations and laws have been passed to enforce more environmentally friendly processes in waste management by the built sector. International standards have been developed which introduce measurement systems to enforce environmentally friendly practices.

The part of the paper will first elaborate on the international standards set by various governments and organizations that have set enforcement protocols to introduce a better system of waste management. Later, using the United States as the case study, various legislations will be discussed that have been created to improve waste management systems and to introduce recycling as the new option of waste management processes.

The various international standards that have been introduced to keep measurement policies on the wastage systems of the built sector include
LEED standards
ISO 14000
CMRA
LEEDS Standards

The Leeds standard was developed by the U.S Green Building Council, through a consensus with various architects, builders, engineers and product manufacturers. This standard set the bar for developing green buildings in the manufacturing industry and providing them encouragement through recognition. The LEEDS standard has a set of criteria that firms have to meet. These are rated on scales and are based on performance measurement rather than other methods which try prescriptive policies (Georgia DoD Pollution Prevention, 2002). The emphasis has been on design restructuring and green engineering to influence manufacturers to develop processes which are environmentally friendly. This helps waste management because when firms are more ecologically friendly and conscious, they have little or no choice but to reduce waste automatically (Georgia DoD Pollution Prevention, 2002). Even if any waste is produced, since the entire process is meant for the benefit of the environment, the waste is not as hazardous as that produced through normal methods of construction.

The various guidelines set by the standard include how far a firm recycles materials, is energy efficient and raw material use. The better a company performs on these standards, the more ratings they are credited, determining their LEED standard (Haggar, 2007). This is an internationally approved standard and has international recognition. Firms vying to take this standard are required to fulfill certain criterias. Once they have done that, they gain from the enormous public sentiments in favor of protecting the environment and also become more cost effective.

ISO 14000
This standard enforces firms to set internal standards that comply with environmental regulations. The concept is to help firms stabilize, improve and become more efficient internally to produce better environmentally stable output. Business solutions, revamping of business processes and the restructuring of critical businesses are some of the roles this standard seeks to play. Since these are more internal control in nature rather than external, they are more efficient in restructuring entire corporate cultures. When it comes to the environment, this standard ensures that firms document changes, train their employees in respect to that and exhibit it in their applications (Edwards, 2004).
One of the most effective tools this standard uses is that it checks upon the environmental footprint of the company itself. Those companies who are involved in environmentally taxing behavior, especially high emissions and waste creation, they need to fix their processes to achieve this standard. Thus automatically helping with the control of waste management. The standard also observes the life cycles of the company itself (Cascio, Woodside  Mitchell, 1996). It starts from the manufacturing date till the point of disposal. This is especially effective when dealing with waste management because this standard actively watches over how industries dispose of their waste. When companies are under scrutiny, they are more poised to take part in effective and efficient waste management techniques such as recycling.

CMRA
The construction Materials Recycling Association is one organization that is directly relevant to the topic at hand. This organization is specifically related to the waste management caused by the construction and demolition sector of industries (G.I.E. Media, 2006). They promote active recycling and waste management procedures by giving tips, guidelines and information related to the benefits that firms can reap simply by being more ecologically friendly.

This organization has actively set an agenda to promote the use of recycling in daily processes. For one, they have advocated the use of recycling materials such as asphalt, gypsum, wood and concrete. At the same time, alongside their literature help, they also help firms wanting to shift towards recycling alternatives with appropriate financial funding as well. They have a direct role to play in the reduction of waste caused by the construction and demolition processes in development. They actively support recycling procedures and influence the waste management processes directly.

Legislations and laws
Currently the most sustainable form of document available that enforces recycling requirements is the Code of Federal Requirements (CFR247) (Georgia DoD Pollution Prevention, 2002). This code has developed a list of items that can be and should be recycled for manufacturing in other areas.  At the same time, it has enforced on federal agencies to purchase such products only from companies who fit the bill as recycling compliant companies. Though there are some exceptions to this regard, this has been an affective influencer on various industries to influence them into the mode of recycling and decreasing their waste production.

The United States federal government also passed an executive order (13101) (Georgia DoD Pollution Prevention, 2002) which enforces all federal institutions to comply with recycling standards. This means that waste management, waste prevention and recycling standards must be maintained by all federally administered companies, influencing and creating a trend for recycling.

Recycling Procedures and uses
To understand recycling procedures it is important to understand which items can be recycled and which cannot be. Generally, items such as steel, cardboard, iron and asphalt are recyclable. There is a general consensus that 90 of all material that ends up in landfills can either be reused or recycled in some form or the other (Tam,  Tam, 2008). Various methods of recycling are employed by various organizations in an effort strengthen their waste management systems.

Basic recycling can be done through the separation of containers. Waste objects are divided based on their recyclability and are assorted accordingly. The items that can be recycled are recycled where as those which cannot be are treated according to normal waste management systems.  Since the division has been made, most manufacturers find the process simple as it involves little involvement from the side of the constructor or manufacturer (Winkler, 2010). However, there is a chance that a lot of material can be lost which could be recycled otherwise due to inefficient training of personnel responsible for container filling.

Other manufacturers and constructors simply segregate items on site. As the processes are being moved along the product life cycle, new materials, which would otherwise be treated as waste, are collected in containers for recycling purposes. Since this is a continuous process, it requires space and time allocation, but the rewards are greater in the form of more materials being dedicated towards recycling. Not only does it help with waste management, it saves the manufacturer and constructor money, since the direct sale of directly segmented recycling material gives a chance to them to earn money.

Another method that is employed is that of time based separation. Based upon the timing and sequence of construction processes, waste produced during each stage is collected and recycled accordingly (Winkler, 2010). This method saves time, space and money to the builder. While this is an appropriate method for many firms, others outsource this activity to firms specializing in recycling management. Instead of the builder investing his time and effort, firms are used to separate, segregate and ship the recyclable content to recycling centers.

Recycling usage is very beneficial to firms if they see their efforts as providing a product to an end market. For instance, cellulose insulation can be manufactured through the recycling of newspapers. Similarly, organic asphalt shingles are often produced through the reuse of wood fibers and recycled paper. Both these items have a market worldwide. If builders start viewing the opportunities as business men, recycling is a business on its own. Markets for various recyclable goods exist. For instance, recycled wood can be sold those manufacturers or furniture. Metal can be sold to salvagers who later use it in other processes.  Rubble can be collected and sent to manufacturers or filling substances. Each recycled material has a market somewhere or the other and if recycling is favored by constructors, not only would it help them manage their waste more efficiently, but they can make a profit while doing it as well.

Economic Benefits of recycling
More firms who are associated with builders and demolitionist are asking for a cut in base line costs. Thus, constructors and demolition firms are under constant pressure to find alternatives to cut back costs. What they do not realize is that by simply adhering to recycling standards and marketing that in the line of business, they can achieve lower costs and gain profits as well.

First of all, following the 3 Rs model of Recycling, re-using and reducing, firms can do wonders for themselves. By recycling, firms will actually make money from waste they would have otherwise either burnt (which they would have to pay for) (Winkler, 2010), or disposed off in a landfill. Recycling, with a little value addition can even create new products for the firm to use at much lower costs that they would have gotten them at had they not recycled. Reusing products is direct cost reduction and savings hand in hand. Plus, later expenses on the same products can be curtailed as well, making it a valuable investment. Finally, when it comes to reducing materials and improving resource allocation, the disposal cost of materials wasted directly goes down. The end argument is, the lower the disposal of waste, the lower costs the firm will have to pay towards it waste management system.

Second, being environmentally friendly can help make firms make close friends with new clients. By marketing their waste management procedures and their environmentally friendly techniques, new businesses will be more inclined to do business with the said firm. Not only this, they will have a positive rapport with the community they operate in, serving them as a long social investment. With more governments favoring environmentally friendly behavior from firms, there is a good chance of earning leverage with the government and taking advantage of the various schemes they launch especially for those producers and manufacturers who are environmentally sustainable and friendly.

Associated benefits for firms
Firms stand to gain from recycling their waste substantially. By using efficient and effective waste management protocols, companies can reduce their costs substantially. Thus, one of the primary incentives of recycling includes cost cutting preferences of firms. Furthermore, many firms look for factors other than money. Since waste management procedures are very time consuming, recycling offers a way out for them. At their convenience, a lot of their waste material can be segregated and disposed off conveniently.

With new laws and legislation coming out in favor of environmentalist and global ecological protection, it is abundantly clear that long term liabilities of firms with inefficient waste management procedures, especially those dealing with construction and demolition waste, will have to face the music sooner or later. Based on that premise, it is advantageous for firms to think about recycling now to promote a better image and decrease their long term liability at the same time.

Finally, firms encouraging recycling in their waste management processes are actively marketing their commitment and resolve to society. They can eventually market this to the public as one of their corporate social responsibility initiatives. The media attention and hype can change the direction of firms working in the construction and demolition business, since this business is particularly associated with being non progressive.

Conclusion
The paper has reduced new technologies and ways of recycling materials in the construction and demolition industry. It has reflected upon the different sources of pollution that are created through ineffective waste management and the possibilities that lie for firms wanting to be more ecologically friendly. At the same time it highlighted the importance of effective waste management in response to the current state of the environment.

However, at the same time it has to be noticed that initiatives towards the setting up of recycling plants across industries is drastically required. Often, many firms face shortages of recyclers in their areas which put them at a disadvantage of using this waste management procedure.  Similarly, new processes have to be developed to streamline current recycling processes. Often, these processes are weak and unstructured which lead to them being cost intensive rather than effective.

If these problems can be adequately handled and more information is given to firms, especially those operating in the build sector, a radical transformation towards the use of recyclable waste management can occur. in the end, the change and transition can provide sustainability to a lot more operations in the built sector, and provide an environmentally taxing industry, a greener look.