Title: Recycling construction materials in a developing country: four case studies

Authors: Issam M. Srour; Ghassan R. Chehab; Nicolas Gharib

Addresses: Engineering Management, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, American University of Beirut, P.O. Box: 11-0236, Riad El-Solh, Beirut, Lebanon. ' Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, American University of Beirut, P.O. Box: 11-0236, Riad El-Solh, Beirut, Lebanon. ' United Nations Development Programme, Energy and Environment Programme, 4th Floor, Arab African International Bank Building, Riad El Solh Street, Nejmeh, Beirut, 2011 5211, P.O. Box 11-3216 Beirut, Lebanon

Abstract: This study identifies, documents, and assesses the existing levels of awareness and implementation of sustainability practices amongst the different participants in the Lebanese construction industry. The analysis is based on a survey of owners, designers, and contractors supplemented with four case studies illustrating the recycling of construction demolition waste (CDW). The results indicate an acceptable level of awareness, but a mediocre level of implementation of sustainable practices which were limited to green design efforts and uncoordinated attempts at recycling construction demolition materials. The study concludes with recommendations on how to: 1) further improve awareness regarding sustainable practices amongst the various stakeholders in the Lebanese construction industry; 2) overcome some of the obstacles preventing higher recycling rates.

Keywords: sustainability; recycling; construction materials; demolition waste; asphalt; pavements; roads; Lebanon; sustainable development.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEME.2012.048609

International Journal of Engineering Management and Economics, 2012 Vol.3 No.1/2, pp.135 - 151

Published online: 15 Apr 2015 *

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