Construction waste is a big challenge all around the globe. For instance, in the United Kingdom, total construction, demolition, and excavation waste is 62% of the total waste, which is roughly 137.8 million tons. It is the largest waste stream. Unfortunately, much of the waste either goes to the landfill or is repurposed for low-grade applications. What is needed is more effective recycling and resource utilization.
Enter new research at Northumbria University, which has secured £250,000 of research funding. The research will look to improve waste recycling.
It gets better though. The research team will leverage AI (artificial intelligence) to track waste generation, optimize resource usage, and provide construction managers with key data to make better decisions. Further, KPIs (key performance indicators) will measure waste handling efficiency, resource utilization, and adherence to sustainable practices.
Here is how this can help:
- Reduce landfill dependency
- Promote circular economy principles
- Give construction managers the data they need to make good decisions
Looking to the future, the team will also create best practices, guidelines, and frameworks to drive sustainable construction methods. Keep an eye on research coming out of the university, as it could set a precedent for others around the world.