Re-think, Re-build, Re-purpose : An investigation in sustainable building processes

Abstract

Re-think, Re-build, Re-purpose   How can resource waste in building industry be minimized, and the reuse and recyclability of building materials be maximized?    An UMA 5 Master Thesis report Spring semester, 2020 By Jeanette Skinnars     Abstract   The building industry is a major user of material resources, and a primary producer of waste. This is a result of a linear production process, which led me to question how material resources are handled within the industry. Through a desk based research I have investigated current situation and its environmental effect. I have also looked into some case studies that have an alternative way of handling material resources. My investigation helped me answer my research question, which is: How can resource waste in building industry be minimized, and the reuse and recyclability of building materials be maximized?    My findings result in a proposal of a building process where one already in the planning phase thinks of the demolition phase. If the materials are easy to separate, they can be reused or recycled instead of becoming waste. If buildings were thought of as banks of material resources, a reduction in taking resources from the nature will occur. This circularity of materials can lower the environmental effect the building industry is responsible for.    This essay is an introduction in understanding the material consumption in the building industry and shows optional ways of how it can be handled.