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Project title

A framework for the high-value recycling of construction by-products

Primary Funding Agency

Environmental Protection Agency

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

Gavin and Doherty Geosolutions Ltd.

Lead Applicant

Cian Desmond

Project Abstract

With Ireland and the EU now committed to achieving a circular economic model and net-zero carbon emissions, the reduction, re-use, and recycling of waste has become a key priority. The diversion or extraction of secondary raw materials from different waste streams offers several important benefits: less waste sent to landfill, reduced requirements for virgin materials, and lower carbon emissions as a result. This project will undertake comprehensive feasibility studies to examine both the opportunities and key challenges (practical, technical, economic, regulatory, environmental, etc.) to the use of construction by-products as nationally useful secondary raw materials. These studies will focus on specific by-products (e.g., crushed concrete) from the construction and demolition waste stream, which is the largest single source of waste in both Ireland and the EU, and use cases in civil works for Irish infrastructure projects (road, rail, utilities, etc.), which presents considerable potential for the prevention and recycling of such waste. The studies will produce specific recommendations to ensure not only that civil works projects use higher proportions of the by-products in question, but also that this material is used in the applications of highest value, considering all relevant product specification, legal, environmental, and health protection requirements. As a first step, these studies will focus on those key by-products which require little to no processing before re-use, and seek to identify the key material requirements, potential parameters of concern, and risk assessment/management protocols which must be established. One key aspect of these studies will be to examine the efficacy of the economic and regulatory instruments (incentives, standards, and levies) presently used to minimise the use of virgin materials in the construction sector. The insights gained via literature review, data review, and stakeholder engagement will be used to develop a new best practice framework to increase the proportion of by-product and recycled materials in Irish construction. Having been specifically grown to support the sustainable development of Ireland’s infrastructure, the multi-disciplinary team at Gavin & Doherty Geosolutions Ltd (GDG) is well-positioned to deliver this scope of work. The project team includes leading civil and geotechnical engineers, environmental and social scientists, and policy experts, who have a wealth of experience in delivering innovative design solutions for both research and development and commercial projects. The project will also seek to establish an industry advisory group to gather insights from across the Irish construction sector and from the complementary research projects running at EU level. The Irish Construction Sector Group’s Sustainability Consultation Cluster, of which GDG is an active participant, will be a valuable source of information and contacts for this advisory group.

Grant Approved

�135,197.93

Research Hub

Green and Circular Economy

Research Theme

n/a

Start Date

01/12/2022

Initial Projected Completion Date

30/11/2025