A Sustainable Business Model for Converting Construction and Demolition Waste to Wealth

Abstract

India's rapid urbanisation necessitates a planning approach that ensures the sustainability of its cities through efficient waste management. This swift urban growth has significantly accelerated modern construction and demolition of older infrastructure or structures within Indian cities. C&D (Construction and Demolition) waste is accountable for approximately 30 percent of urban municipal waste within metropolitan areas. Managing C&D waste and transforming it into valuable resources presents considerable challenges for all urban local bodies (ULBs). Recycling C&D waste offers dual benefits: it reduces pressure on the extraction of virgin construction materials and helps mitigate environmental pollution. Recycled C&D waste can produce various valuable products, including aggregates of different sizes, manufactured sand, paver blocks, concrete bricks, double-tee precast panels for boundary walls, manhole covers, water tanks, and more. These products are durable and eco-friendly building materials that contribute to the conservation of natural resources. However, a sustainable business model is essential for understanding the volume of C&D waste produced and for addressing current challenges and opportunities at the city, regional, and state levels. The current research aims to gather information about the overall scenario of C&D waste management procedures in India, relying on secondary resources. It proposes a sustainable business model for C&D waste handling that transforms this specific waste into a valuable resource, identifying possible advantages and the resource efficiency of recycled items.