Reuse in Demolition Projects : A Systematic Multicriteria Approach to Rank andOptimize the Reuse of Building Components in Demolition Projects

Abstract: The waste framework directive from the European Commission states that 70 percent of allconstruction- and demolition waste (CDW) should be reused or recycled. In Sweden during theyear of 2018, 52,1 percent of the generated CDW was reused or recycled, but a report fromAvfall Sverige showed that reuse only accounted for small fractions of this. According to theEU's waste hierarchy, waste reduction followed by reuse are the most desirable ways to handlewaste. Research for how to reuse CDW is therefore considered an interesting and relevant topicfor research to help achieve the goal of the waste framework directive. The purpose of this master thesis was to further develop a Multi Criteria Analysis (MCA)model which was applied on different building components to evaluate how well suited theywere for reuse considering; (1) financial return, (2) environmental impact, (3) energyconsumption and (4) external aspects. The study was performed as a case study and the appliedmethods within the case study were interviews, a survey as well as the MCA model. To estimateaspects one to three of the MCA model, the theoretical framework consisted of a Cost BenefitAnalysis (CBA) and a Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) in accordance with the European standardEN15978. The fourth aspect was evaluated with help of a survey to assess qualitativedimensions of reuse. The study concluded that there are many challenges related to reuse in demolition projects.Some major challenges identified were the limited time frames, absence of competence andexperience among actors as well as logistical challenges. According to the results from theMCA model, there is a difference in how well suited the studied components were for reuse.The two most beneficial components to reuse out of the investigated ones in the case studywere crushed concrete and aluminum doors. It was also concluded that the MCA model issuitable to apply in this component specific context.