Aalborg University Study Finds Construction Waste Could Cut New-Build Emissions by 10 Percent

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(IN BRIEF) Aalborg University research has found that substantial amounts of building materials are wasted on Danish construction sites, with some materials seeing waste rates of up to 25 percent. The study shows that controlling this waste could reduce carbon emissions from new construction by around 10 percent. By analysing data from hundreds of projects, the researchers developed a prediction model that allows waste volumes and climate impact to be estimated early in the planning phase. The findings highlight practical opportunities for the construction industry to reduce costs, lower emissions, and support circular building practices through better design and material planning.

(PRESS RELEASE) AALBORG, 7-JAn-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — New research from Aalborg University reveals that material waste on Danish construction sites is significantly higher than previously assumed, with some building materials seeing waste rates of up to 25 percent. The findings indicate that reducing this waste could cut carbon emissions from new construction projects by as much as 10 percent, while also lowering costs across the industry.

The study highlights that materials commonly cut to size on site — including roofing felt, reinforcing steel, plaster, insulation, and mortar — are among the most frequently wasted. In addition, packaging materials such as wooden pallets and plastic film account for a substantial share of construction-site waste, contributing up to 28 percent of the climate impact associated with discarded materials.

Across the projects analysed, the researchers found that between three and 30 percent of supplied materials are typically wasted when packaging is included. This results in unnecessary procurement and disposal costs for contractors, alongside avoidable carbon emissions linked to material production and waste treatment.

According to the research, more than half of emissions related to construction waste could be avoided through targeted waste-reduction measures. This reduction alone would equate to around 10 percent of total carbon emissions from new building projects, underlining the scale of the opportunity for both environmental and economic gains.

The study was led by Lea Hasselsteen, a PhD researcher at Aalborg University’s Department of the Built Environment. She noted that while material waste is rarely intentional, the pace and complexity of construction projects often result in usable materials being discarded. She emphasised the importance of factoring expected waste into early planning, where many inefficiencies can be avoided or mitigated.

To support better decision-making, the research examined material waste across 26 Danish construction projects and introduced a new prediction model that links material use with life cycle assessment (LCA). This approach enables builders, consultants, and contractors to estimate both waste volumes and associated CO₂ emissions at an early design stage.

The model was subsequently applied to data from 309 Danish construction projects dating back to 2007, demonstrating its ability to forecast waste generation and climate impact before construction begins. By translating complex calculations into practical insights, the model provides the industry with a concrete tool to reduce waste and support circular economy goals.

The research also points to straightforward solutions, such as aligning architectural design with standard material dimensions. For example, matching room layouts to plasterboard sizes can significantly reduce offcuts and unnecessary disposal. By integrating such considerations into design and procurement processes, construction teams can move from reactive waste documentation to proactive waste prevention.

Read the full article here.

SOURCE; Aalborg University