More efficient use of aggregates in construction in the UK

The overall objective of the REDUCTIONS* project is to identify the potential for absolute resource and energy use reduction in production-consumption systems at all levels and to explore ways to realise this potential. The project has the ambition to generate knowledge-for-action and aims to propose science-based policies and strategies with a high potential to achieve substantial reductions.

This case study considers the reduction of aggregates as basic material in the construction industry. The policy mix covers the United Kingdom (UK). Aggregates as defined in this fact sheet are sand, gravel, crushed rock, and associated substances such as those that naturally occur mixed with sand, gravel and crushed rock. They may be extracted from land or dredged from water (‘primary aggregates’), produced as a by-product of other activities (‘secondary aggregates’), or recycled from construction and demolition waste (‘recycled aggregates’).

Remarks:

This fact sheet is based on:
Wilts, H., Dehoust, G., Jepsen, D. et al. (2013) Eco-innovations for waste prevention-Best practices, drivers and barriers. Science of the Total Environment. 461–462: 823–829.