Unraveling the Global Warming Mitigation Potential from Recycling Subway?Related Excavated Soil and Rock in China Via Life Cycle Assessment

Many cities across China are investing in subway projects, resulting much construction activity, which has experienced a surge over the past decade. The activities inevitably cause dramatic quantity of subway-related excavated soil and rock (ESR). How to manage it with minimal environmental impact on our urban ecosystem remains an open question. present study evaluates global warming potential (GWP, expressed by CO2 eq) from different ESR recycling landfilling scenarios via life cycle assessment (LCA) model based primary field investigation combined LCA software database. results illustrate that can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In comparison traditional materials, found cumulative amount 1.1 1.5 million tonnes (Mt) eq emissions could have been mitigated using generated between 2010 2018 produce baking-free bricks recycled baked brick. Using cost–benefit analysis, economic benefits sand reach US$9 annually. findings this provide better options for ESR-related stakeholders. It is important mention there still work be done before popularized China. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2021;17:639–650. © 2020 Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment Management published Wiley Periodicals LLC behalf Society Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC)