Application of life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology and economic evaluation for construction and demolition waste: a Colombian case study

The construction industry consumes more raw materials and energy than any other economic activity generates the largest fraction of waste, known as demolition waste (CDW). This has significant environmental implications, most notably in South American countries such Colombia, where it is handled inappropriately. study evaluated management processes currently used for fractions generated Ibagué (Colombia). impacts 1 kg CDW were also calculated. Other alternatives evaluated. percentage treatment or modified to determine its viability. information was obtained through telephone interviews visits recycling plants, companies, quarries, government entities, inert landfills. It completed with secondary sources Ecoinvent v.2.2 databases. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology SimaPro 8 software calculate impacts. An each process alternative carried out. A comparison options revealed current choice contributes all categories. indicates that beneficial terms (Colombia) 100% metals are recovered, excavated earth reused, stone recycled (alternative 3). remained favorable when a sensitivity analysis out different distances (30 km 50 km).