Conceito de economia circular para resíduos de construção e demolição : um estudo de caso em Porto Alegre/RS

Abstract

Associated with the three pillars of sustainability, the circular economy (CE) presents itself as an effective tool for reducing the environmental impacts of the construction industry, as it propagates a cyclical concept for construction and demolition materials and waste (CDW). Based on the principle of the 9Rs (refuse, rethink, reduce, reuse, repair, recondition, remanufacture, repurpose, recycle, and recover), the methodology enables a reduction (or non-generation) of these materials and minimizes the extraction of new resources from nature. This study analyzed construction and demolition waste from the perspective of the CE in Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil. Through exploratory analysis, the research examined four distinct phases (waste production, public entities, transportation, and final waste disposal) that encompass the main flows that CDW goes through during its life cycle. Environmental, social, and economic issues were addressed. The results indicate that Porto Alegre construction sector still operates, in most part, in a linear economy model. Although connections between stages were observed, there are still disruptions in the flow, making it difficult to return CDW to the origin of the production chain. The main shortcomings identified in this study include: difficulty in accessing information (generation and transportation); disposal as the primary approach in awareness campaigns, which makes it the primary destination; deficiencies in the control and monitoring process, and inconsistency in legislation. Physical stores selling used materials play an economic and social role but have limited reach, meanwhile digital platforms have a significant reach. Both serve private renovation projects.