Supporting environmentally sound decisions for Construction and Demolition (C&D) waste management : a practical guide to Life Cycle Thinking (LCT) and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)

Large quantities of waste are generated during the construction of developments, and when buildings and structures are decommissioned and demolished at the end of their lives. Improper management of these construction and demolition (C&D) wastes often results in considerable environmental impacts. Using alternative management routes could result in both environmental and cost savings. This guidance document provides waste policy makers, waste managers, and businesses with the background to Life Cycle Thinking (LCT) and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approaches which can be implemented when considering C&D waste management options. The guidance does not seek to be comprehensive, but outlines the key principles that are useful to understand, and to signpost readers to further sources of information.