The use of construction materials that are either recyclable or contain a high proportion of recycled material can lead to lower environmental impacts and a reduction of material in a landfill. However, the practical and economic aspects of using these construction materials are not properly understood within the construction industry. This paper presents the results of a study carried out in the United Kingdom. The study appraised the economic feasibility and associated environmental benefits of using recycled and recyclable materials in construction. The aim was to measure the environmental impacts and financial costs of specifying a variety of recycled materials. The data were then used to raise awareness among designers, material producers, and other parties involved in construction of the opportunities, costs, and benefits offered by the use of such materials. The work involved carrying out quantified comparisons of the cost and environmental impacts of using construction materials that are recyclable or contain a high proportion of recycled material. The analysis uses the functional units of a square meter of wall or roof element to provide comparative data of alternative cladding systems. The data are then aggregated into an assessment of a typical medium-rise commercial building. The assessment considers the issues of cost, greenhouse gas emissions, energy use, and materials resource use for various materials used in the main components of the building, focusing on claddings, roofing, and foundations. Comparisons are made between conventional building specifications--those that maximize recycling potential and those that aim to minimize costs. The implications for environmental criteria and cost are assessed.

Authors: Mark Gorgolewski, Ph.D.

Citation: Thermal Performance of the Exterior Envelopes of Buildings VIII

Keywords: December, Florida, 2001