Sustainable Management of Existing Brick Masonry: Identifying Knowledge Gaps and Future Needs in Demolition and Circular Practices

This project aims to enhance sustainable management of Sweden’s extensive brick masonry façades, covering an estimated 200–300 million square meters, by leveraging the 9R framework: Refuse, Rethink, Reduce, Reuse, Repair, Refurbish, Remanufacture, Repurpose, Recycle, and Recover. With many buildings nearing the end of their service life, traditional demolition practices often lead to resource loss and increased waste. This project seeks to address these issues by critically assessing current practices and identifying knowledge gaps in the circular management of post-demolition brick masonry.

The initiative includes a systematic review of demolition techniques, brick reuse strategies, and recycling and repurposing methods, emphasizing energy efficiency, resource conservation, and reduced environmental impact. Engaging with stakeholders and conducting site visits will further contextualize findings and validate practical applications. Key outcomes will include actionable insights for enhancing sustainable masonry practices, supporting Sweden's carbon neutrality goal for 2045, and advancing the circular economy in construction.