PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to focus on optimization of recycling of concrete from lightweight aggregates containing expanded glass and hard polyurethane (PU) and on the issue of importance of environmental management in constructions, to produce the new combination using rest, construction waste of concrete from lightweight aggregates and hard PU new raw components of concrete from lightweight aggregates, as key reactive materials.Design/methodology/approachThe research for this paper is based on the collection and analysis of quantitative and qualitative data, non‐linear programming (NLP) model and experimental research.FindingsResults from the new recycled material have been compared with the normal existing concrete from lightweight aggregates. Characteristics of recycled lightweight concrete (LWC) such as density, compressive strength and thermal conductivity have been investigated and have been compared with normal existing concrete from lightweight aggregates. Results indicate that it is possible to recycle LWC aggregates and hard PU waste.Research limitations/implicationsResearch was limited to management of construction.Practical implicationsThe use of waste LWC with aggregates containing expanded glass and hard PU seems to be necessary for the production of cheaper and environment‐friendly LWC.Originality/valueThe method shows great possibilities for increasing use of construction waste materials from LWC containing expanded glass and hard PU in order to benefit from the better use of existing construction waste. Characteristics such as density, compressive strength and thermal conductivity from the new recycled material have been compared with normal existing concrete from lightweight aggregates. They change depending on the type and part of waste as well as the type and part of fresh binding components. Thus, a new recycled material is created with new values of density, compressive strength and thermal conductivity, which conform to the compressive strength class and rules on heat protection and efficient use of energy in buildings (SI OJ RS No. 42/2002). Laboratory density, compressive strength and thermal conductivity tests results showed that LWC can be produced by the use of waste LWC with aggregates containing expanded glass and hard PU. The author proposes a model of recycling isolating materials, made of hard PU and LWC with aggregates containing expanded glass, based on recycling and NLP.
Many scholars interested in environmental management discuss it from different aspects; the overwhelming majority of companies are trying to implement environmental management from theoretical point of view into everyday situations. It is important to underscore the fact that environmental management is a concept used every bit as theory as in practice in different aspects from different point of views. The similar case exists in concepts of management, organization and quality; the content of environmental management is dealt with insufficiently examined theory basis and also the interpretation and use in business practice is not systematical and consistent. In our research we propose a model of recycling isolating materials, made of hard polyurethane and lightweight concrete, with aggregates containing expanded glass as an innovative construction material-green lightweight composite. The scope of the aforementioned model is to plan production processes without waste and to improve energy efficiency in buildings. The model proposed solution enables a process alternative to be enhanced in sustainable development. Composites characteristics of density, compressive strength and thermal conductivity are changing in dependency of the type and part of waste as well as the type and part of fresh binding components. Method shows great possibilities for increasing use of construction waste isolating materials from hard polyurethane and lightweight concrete with aggregates containing expanded glass in order to benefit from better use of available capacity of existing construction waste.
Purpose -Research deals with aspects of systemic thinking that explain environmental innovation in organizations, especially in the construction sector. The paper aims to address the issues. Design/methodology/approach -The research for this paper is based on the collection and analysis of quantitative and qualitative data, dialectal systems theory (DST), environmental management systems (EMS), life cycle analysis (LCA) and recycling. Findings -The research results show that systemic thinking (and environmental innovations) are still a novelty; it can be regarded as an engine for novel changes in social, economic and political arrangements in companies and other organizations as well as for society as a whole. Research is aimed at finding an answer to the question: what dialectal system approach can bring in the long-run sustainable development? Research limitations/implications -Research was limited to management of construction. Practical implications -Environmental innovation efficiency and processes in organizations with a systemic thinking can be innovated more easily. Originality/value -This paper breaks new ground in using systemic thinking to explain environmental innovation. In research, a model is proposed for recycling isolating materials, made of hard polyurethane and lightweight concrete with aggregates containing expanded glass, based on DST, EMS, LCA and recycling. This is the first attempt, to the best of one's knowledge, to make a new synergy of the dialectal systems theory, environmental management system and innovations supporting sustainable development, decision making and action.
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