Construction industry carbon dioxide emissions in Shenzhen, China

Waste management has been promoted for effectively reusing the increasing amount of construction and demolition waste being produced. This paper evaluates the potential reduction of carbon dioxide emissions achieved by effective waste management in Shenzhen, China. It was found that 1136·20 and 22·49 kg of carbon dioxide are generated from current waste management activities on each kg/m2 of construction and demolition waste in Shenzhen, respectively. On the basis of waste reduction targets set by the Shenzhen government for 2015 and 2020, carbon dioxide emissions from the local construction industry could be cut by 2500 t for 30% waste reduction and by about 3800 t for 45% waste reduction. This paper serves as a useful guideline on the potential carbon dioxide reduction that can be achieved by reducing the different types of construction materials, thereby helping the industry achieve greenhouse gas emission reduction targets.