Reducing Construction Carbon Footprint Through Increasing Local Reuse of Building Material in Calabar, Cross River State

Abstract

This paper explores the potential for reducing the construction carbon footprint by increasing the
local reuse of building materials from construction sites in Cross River State. The construction
sector consumes vast resources and generates substantial waste throughout the design, processing,
transportation, construction, and demolition phases. These activities are energy-intensive and pose
health and safety risks. Building construction significantly contributes to energy use and carbon
dioxide emissions, accounting for about 40% of greenhouse gas emissions. In West African states,
including Nigeria, where construction material costs have soared, the high expense of building
materials has become unaffordable for many low-income earners in urban areas. This scenario
necessitates a shift towards green building practices, including the reuse of surplus construction
products. Such a shift could involve training for energy-efficient practices and creating employment
opportunities for workers displaced by these changes, as well as establishing a market for used
construction materials. The paper proposes the establishment of a network of construction reuse
centers in Cross River State. It discusses current drivers and barriers to adopting this model and
its potential benefits, including a reduction in carbon footprints and a move towards a more
sustainable construction industry. In the United States, the Natural Building Materials Reuse
Association connects over 500 enterprises, showcasing the potential for similar initiatives in
Nigeria. Recent statistics indicate that approximately 200,000 tons of metal and 320,000 tons of
conjugated sheets have been recycled and reused in Nigeria. Reusing construction materials can
reduce the need for raw materials, processing, and manufacturing, significantly cutting
transportation impacts and overall environmental effects. For instance, reclaimed steel and timber
have demonstrated environmental impact reductions of 96% and 99%, respectively.