The concept of sustain
ability is becoming mainstream and being practiced by most public (e.g., governments, universities) and private (e.g., corporations) entities. Sustainability includes sustainable growth and development of our nation’s infrastructure, often integrating green building. Objectives of green building include utilizing less toxic materials, recycled materials, and materials that can be recycled when no longer used for their intended purpose. Green building also encourages reducing the amount of debris (waste) produced from construction and demolition, and managing debris that is produced in the most sustainable and environmentally sound manner. Residential, commercial, industrial, and governmental sectors all produce construction and demolition (C&D) debris. The major components of C&D debris (by mass) are wood, concrete, gypsum drywall, and roofing shingles, with smaller amounts of cardboard, insulation and various metals. As C&D debris is a significant source of waste in the U.S., toxicity/waste reduction and recycling is not only encouraged, but sometimes mandated at federal, state, and local levels. Dr. Jambeck conducts research related to the waste reduction and recycling of C&D debris, as well as the beneficial use of materials like C&D debris fines.
Related Past Projects:
C&D Debris Fines Research and Beneficial Use, Waste Management, 2008-2009, $45,643
Modeling of Hydrogen Sulfide Generation from Processed Construction and Demolition Materials in Landfills, Environmental Research and Education Foundation, 2007-2008 $147,000
C&D Fines Management Issues, ERRCO/LL&S, $2,500
Environmental and Economic Issues with Recycling Construction and Demolition Debris, UNH Internal Competition Award, 2006-2008, 2 co-PIs, $50,000
An Investigation of Recycled Materials to Attenuate Hydrogen Sulfide from the Beneficial use of Construction and Demolition (C&D) Debris Fines at a Landfill, Waste Management of Massachusetts, 2005, $15,000