Latvian Science Council funded Fundamental and Applied Research program project "Use of construction waste containing gypsum and polymers for the production of panels with increased sound absorption and heat insulation properties" stands out with its innovative approach. It uses recycled gypsum and polystyrene to produce panels with improved sound and thermal insulation qualities. Project manager, Tenure Professor at the Faculty of Civil Engineering at Riga Technical University (RTU), Diana Bajare emphasizes that it is everyone's responsibility to work toward a more sustainable future. Since natural resources are finite and waste volumes are increasing, this project is especially important for promoting recycling and reuse of construction waste, aligning with the EU's circular economy strategies.
Sustainable Building Materials and Their Importance
The keyword of this study is sustainable building materials, aiming to promote efficient resource use, protect the environment, reduce the consumption of non-renewable resources, and create new materials from renewable resources. This approach also helps reduce CO₂ emissions and ensures more environmentally friendly construction methods. When a building reaches the end of its life and is dismantled, it generates construction debris, one of which is gypsum board. A misconception exists that gypsum is a widely available and easily accessible material, making it easier to extract new gypsum without considering the environmental impact of such waste, which pollutes soil and groundwater while burdening landfills. Although gypsum is relatively easy to obtain, its use in this way contradicts the principles of the circular economy, which must be actively pursued.
The Circular Economy Approach
The circular economy is a global trend, highly relevant to the construction sector and our lives overall. Simply put, it’s about how we can sustainably ensure our livelihood. We sort waste, install solar panels, and choose natural materials, and similar thinking should apply to construction, involving careful resource management, development of new materials, and waste reduction.
Project manager, Tenure Professor at the Faculty of Civil Engineering at Riga Technical University, Diana Bajare explains: "To implement such a project, a multidisciplinary approach is essential, involving economists, engineers, and other specialists. The focus is on how we can create new materials that can later be recycled or reused, ensuring effective properties while improving the building's indoor climate and reducing overall material costs."
A Practical Example – Recycling Gypsum Board
Under the leadership of Associate Professor Girts Bumanis, the project team explored the recycling of gypsum board waste. They investigated how to recover and reuse gypsum board more effectively by optimizing processing parameters such as temperature and time. These recycled materials were used to develop new composites with enhanced thermal and sound insulation properties. "We developed a material that matches the properties of existing products on the market but is more environmentally friendly because construction waste is used in its production. We aim to reduce demolition waste volumes by reusing them, saving natural resources. Using recycled gypsum binder means less new gypsum is required," explains Girts, "this is circular economy in action. If we can do this, the environmental impact is significantly reduced."
Girts adds: "This material is a step - or even two steps - ahead of the current things society is ready for. Many people still prefer new materials over recycled ones. To introduce something new gradually, public awareness is essential. Initially, we can use 90% conventional materials and 10% recycled ones, increasing the proportion over time. Public perceptions will change when people see these materials are not inferior but often superior."
Educating New Generations and the Public
Projects like this focus not only on improving living conditions but also on involving new researchers. "We actively involve students in our projects. Nearly half of the work in the project is done by PhD and Master's students. We dedicate significant time to educating these students, ensuring high-quality academic work, and fostering interest in academic careers," says Diana, "public awareness is another pillar of these projects. "We participate in popular science events, write articles, organize seminars and conferences, and visit other countries. It’s crucial to inform the public about our work."
The Outcome – Industry and Society Took Notice!
Such projects are impossible without close collaboration with industry and its interest. Various European directives concerning climate protection and CO₂ emission reductions drive companies to adopt circular economy practices in their production. For instance, a global gypsum mining and recycling company has shown interest in these innovations. "We gain recognition through scientific publications in international journals. We are invited to join scientific groups tackling global problems in the gypsum industry, collaborating with researchers from Canada, Hong Kong, and Europe," Diana proudly shares.
Latvian researchers actively participate in international projects, collaborating with companies in global innovation programs. For example, Valmieras Stikla Šķiedra found relevant solutions in this research to address its sustainable use challenges in production.
Moreover, the material developed during the project has received a Latvian patent!
The project results demonstrate that sustainable construction not only preserves natural resources but also improves living quality by ensuring a harmonious balance between current needs and opportunities for future generations. "We follow global trends. Preserving and efficiently using resources means a better life for future generations," Diana concludes.
The project "Use of construction waste containing gypsum and polymers for the production of panels with increased sound absorption and heat insulation properties" (lzp-2020/1-0010) is implemented under the Fundamental and Applied Research program, funded by the Latvian Science Council.
