ULOGA RECIKLIRANOG BETONA U ODRŽIVOJ GRADNJI I CIRKULARNOJ EKONOMIJI
THE ROLE OF RECYCLED CONCRETE IN SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION AND THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY

Summary/Abstract: Construction waste generated as an inevitable consequence of demolition or reconstruction of buildings can be reused, thereby reducing the need for natural materials, which essentially represent non-renewable energy sources. In this way, the management of construction waste is achieved, preventing it from ending up in landfills or similar disposal sites. Its reuse is made possible through processing in specialized recycling facilities. The recycled construction waste is then used as an additional or alternative material to the primary raw materials. In all industrially developed countries, recycling represents one of the key processes for preserving non-renewable energy resources and protecting the planet Earth. Through the recycling process, waste concrete is transformed into raw material, which reduces the total amount of waste, decreases the consumption of non-renewable resources (such as natural aggregate), and lowers CO₂ emissions. Therefore, the implementation of the well-known “3R” principle (Reduce, Recycle, Renew) in this field aims to minimize energy consumption and pollution (Reduce), reuse old concrete (Recycle), and utilize it as aggregate for new concrete (Renewable resource).

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