Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/76613
Title: A comparative study for a demolition versus deconstruction case : the use of a ‘polluter’s pay’ legislation as a countermeasure towards unsustainable construction waste practice
Authors: Micallef, Sashanne (2020)
Keywords: Construction industry -- Environmental aspects -- Malta
Construction and demolition debris -- Malta
Construction industry -- Waste disposal -- Malta
Construction industry -- Waste minimization -- Malta
Issue Date: 2020
Citation: MIcallef, S. (2020). A comparative study for a demolition versus deconstruction case: the use of a ‘polluter’s pay’ legislation as a countermeasure towards unsustainable construction waste practice (Master's dissertation).
Abstract: The generation of increasing volumes of Construction and Demolition Waste (CDW) has made its way to become one of the top contributors in the European Union (EU) and local waste streams. This has posed difficulties in various sectors ranging from material scarcity, reduced landfilling spaces and environmental emissions. The purpose of this research paper was to analyse the financial and envrionmental implications posed by two end of life options available for traditional limestone structures in the Maltese Islands. Field research was carried out to obtain primary data on the financial rates of the deconstruction and demolition options within the Maltese construction industry. This was followed by the construction of a Life Cycle Analysis model focusing on the end of life phase of a limestone building, in order to evaluate the respective environmental performance of each option. Whilst it was determined that deconstruction is not financially feasible when compared to its demolition counterpart, it has been identified that it is the more sustainable option of the two. Results showed that for deconstruction to be financially feasible in Malta more than 90% of the total material has to be recovered and sold to third parties, due to the high margin applied over the demolition proceedures. On the other hand, the increase in material recovery through deconstruction showed a constant reduction in the induced envrionmental impacts to a point that deconstruction processes provide net environmental gains. The correlation between the two areas of study was produced in order to provide a ground for possible future CDW policy development. The final rate per nPt of envrionmental impact, that would incentivise the engagement of deconstruction procedures, was estimated to be equal to Euro 2.79; a rate that could be implemented both as a tax rise or rebate.
Description: M.ENG.STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING
URI: https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/76613
Appears in Collections:Dissertations - FacBen - 2020
Dissertations - FacBenCSE - 2020

Files in This Item:
File Description SizeFormat 
Micallef Sashanne 20MENG016.pdf
  Restricted Access
18.57 MBAdobe PDFView/Open Request a copy


Items in OAR@UM are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.