Comparative by simulating the eventual waste generation of building indoor pavements construction

Abstract

The construction sector affects the environment through CO2 emissions generated by use of massive quantities of materials, energy, and waste during the construction and demolition process. Moreover, current technology offers a wide variety of materials, products and construction systems that could be used for a similar solution; however, the decision to select one or other element lies with the price and then by regulatory requirements and availability (ignoring the issue of sustainability). In an apartment building, the pavements are one of the elements with major representativeness and more possibilities of alternative variables in its materials; so, this research expose three different types of pavements with similar prices, comparable functions, and normative compliance, but providing a new sustainable perspective: The construction and demolition waste (C&DW) analysis. The results (simulation of waste) evidence the differences between the wastes generated from each type of pavement, pointing that the application of sustainable management criteria can be significant for sustainable buildings construction. This research shows a new criterion applicable to the construction sector that could improve the selection (with equal requirements) of one type of pavement into a more environmentally friendly pavement, allowing the achievement of profits for the builders.