Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Construction and demolition activities have a significant impact on the environment, economy, and society. This research project aims to explore the various aspects of this impact to provide valuable insights for sustainable development practices. The environmental impact of construction and demolition includes the depletion of natural resources, generation of waste, air and water pollution, and habitat destruction. These activities contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, which are a major factor in global warming and climate change. Economically, construction and demolition have both positive and negative effects. While these activities create employment opportunities and stimulate economic growth, they also come with costs related to waste management, resource depletion, and long-term environmental damage. Sustainable construction practices, such as recycling materials, using energy-efficient technologies, and minimizing waste generation, can help mitigate these negative economic impacts. Socially, construction and demolition projects can have both positive and negative implications. On one hand, these activities provide infrastructure and housing, improving the quality of life for communities. On the other hand, they can lead to displacement of communities, loss of cultural heritage, and negative health effects due to pollution and construction-related hazards. It is crucial to consider the social aspects of construction and demolition projects to ensure that they benefit communities and promote social equity. This research project will utilize a mixed-methods approach to investigate the impact of construction and demolition from multiple perspectives. Data will be collected through literature reviews, case studies, interviews with stakeholders, and analysis of environmental and economic indicators. The findings will contribute to the development of sustainable practices in the construction industry, aiming to reduce environmental degradation, promote economic efficiency, and enhance social well-being. Overall, this research project seeks to raise awareness about the impact of construction and demolition activities and provide recommendations for sustainable development strategies. By understanding the complexities of these activities and their implications, stakeholders can make informed decisions to minimize negative effects and maximize positive outcomes for the environment, economy, and society.

Thesis Overview

INTRODUCTION

Historically, construction and demolition (C&D) debris landfills have been considered nonhazardous operations, containing relatively inert wastes such as concrete, asphalt, wood, metals, gypsum drywall, and roofing materials. In recent years, however, it has become increasingly clear that emissions resulting from the decomposition of gypsum drywall and organic debris are a public health issue. Drywall, comprised of gypsum (CaSO4 •2H2 O), breaks down into hydrogen sulfide and other sulfur compounds under anaerobic conditions and in the presence of water.

Overall, the good news is that C&D landfills are not known for being particularly dangerous to human health, though certainly they do come with their risks (Colledge & Wilder 2011). In each of the case studies from New York, Wisconsin and Virginia (mentioned above) where a C&D landfill was identified to pose potential health risks to the community, there were problems with the ENST 698, fall 2011 facilities that could have been prevented or fixed (United States Environmental Protection Agency Office of Solid Waste 1995). ”