Utilization of Waste in Construction – Potential and Barriers

The issue of the introduction of a circular economy in construction is divided into two separate headings. The first is the re-use of construction and demolition waste in construction. The second is the use of waste from other sectors of the economy in construction. Not only construction and demolition waste, but also energy by-products (EBP) make up a substantial part of all waste production. Due to its material intensity, construction has a great potential to absorb waste. This chapter discusses new kinds of building and demolition waste, energy by-products, and the basic principles of their use. It also gives practical experience of what measures need to be put in place to make the circular economy system in the construction sector work. Recent findings can expand the choice of new uses of the waste and reduce their impact on the environment (less waste, more effective processing, reducing transportation needs, and maximizing re-use).