Impact of urbanization on construction material consumption: A global analysis

Abstract

Urbanization is considered a main driver of building material consumption. Nevertheless, statements on links between urbanization and resource consumption remain qualitative. This study aims to globally quantify the links between urbanization and non-metallic mineral resource consumption at the level of nations. Based on hypotheses, we have investigated the relationship between construction material consumption and urbanization and further impact variables. Data were examined using descriptive and analytical statistical methods, by developing step-by-step regression models and representing them in a path diagram. The results show that urbanization alone does not adequately explain consumption of construction materials. Prosperity has a strong impact, too, but also does not have sufficient explanatory power in itself. Only the combination of both variables reveals their complex interrelationships. In principle, more prosperous societies consume more construction materials than less prosperous ones, regardless of the degree of urbanization. With low prosperity, however, material consumption per capita rises with increasing urbanization; with high prosperity, the effect is reversed. Developed societies are the problem today. However, with increasing urbanization and prosperity, dynamically growing societies will dramatically exacerbate the carrying capacity problem in the future. Then again, this is by no means inevitable. Rather, the key is to move from linear to consistently circular models of urbanization. These models must be comprehensive and spatially specified in order to develop sufficient clout in terms of effective resource protection through "circular urbanization."building materials, circular economy, industrial ecology, prosperity, urbanization, urban metabolism INTRODUCTIONUrbanization is a global megatrend (UNDESA, 2019b). The current process from 1950 onward, which is described as the second wave of urbanization, is characterized by high dynamics (WBGU, 2016). In contrast to the first wave of urbanization, which caused cities to grow from 1750 onward,This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Get Construction Project Performance Parameters Right to Attain Sustainable Development Goals

“…* Take the life-cycle and circular approach to the consumption of resources and waste management in construction [60]. * Influence positive changes in owners' and users' consumption patterns, the former in "reuse or redevelop" situations, and the latter in the use of the built item [61].…”