As the world’s population continues to grow and urbanise, there is a growing demand for building materials such as concrete and aggregates including gravel, crushed stone, sand and slag. This has led to a materials shortage in many parts of the world, resulting in higher prices, as well as a greater strain on the environment. However, there is a solution to this problem: using construction waste recycling to meet the demand for building materials, including aggregates.
A growing need for construction and major civil engineering projects is driving a materials shortage. The answer to this problem is clear: increased use of recycled aggregates, materials that have been used before and salvaged from construction and demolition (C&D) projects instead of being discarded as waste.
Using recycled aggregates in construction has several benefits, including:
- Reducing waste: by using recycled aggregates, we can reduce the amount of waste that is sent to landfills and incineration facilities. This helps to conserve natural resources and reduce the environmental impact of waste disposal.
- Conserving natural resources: recycling aggregates conserves natural resources such as sand, gravel, and crushed stone, as it reduces the need to extract and process new raw materials. This helps to preserve these resources for future generations and reduces the environmental impact of resource extraction.
- Reducing greenhouse gas emissions: recycling aggregates reduces greenhouse gas emissions by reducing the need for energy-intensive processes such as mining, quarrying, and manufacturing. This helps to mitigate the impact of climate change and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Economic benefits of construction waste recycling
In addition to these environmental benefits, using recycled aggregates can also have economic benefits. Recycled aggregates are often less expensive than new materials, which can help to reduce construction costs. In addition, using recycled aggregates can help to stimulate local economies by creating jobs in the recycling and construction industries.
Crucially, though, they also meet a real need. According to recent statistics, the global demand for aggregates is expected to increase by a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 5% per year.
UK demand alone, meanwhile, is growing so rapidly that the UK construction and civil engineering sectors will struggle to obtain enough material in the coming years. Indeed, the remaining life of UK aggregates reserves has fallen by 20% in the last five years, according to the latest edition of the Estimated Reserves of Pits & Quarries in Great Britain report published by BDS Market Intelligence.
While this increase in demand will likely lead to further strain on the environment and natural resources, using recycled aggregates can help to mitigate this impact. By incorporating materials derived from construction waste recycling into construction projects, we can help to meet the growing demand for building materials in a more sustainable and cost-effective way.
Meet the materials challenge
Tyrone International is on a mission to accelerate the circular economy. To find out how our game-changing approach to washing plant can transform your operations by increasing productivity and lowering total cost of ownership get in touch.
