Estrategia de transición progresiva hacia la economía circular en la gestión de residuos de construcción y demolición (rcd) en Medellín

Abstract

The management of construction and demolition waste (CDW) represents one of the construction sector's major environmental challenges, owing to the high volume generated and limitations regarding its handling and recovery. Against this backdrop, this research aimed to design a strategy for a progressive transition toward a circular economy in CDW management in Medellín, Colombia, focusing on effective waste recovery under real-world technical, economic, and institutional conditions. The study employed a mixed-methods approach—qualitative and applied in nature—integrating a bibliographic and bibliometric review, an analysis of the current regulatory framework, a local case study, a diagnosis of the existing CDW management system, and a comparative analysis of international experiences. This approach facilitated a multidimensional understanding of the issue and established a solid foundation for formulating the proposal. The results revealed that, despite theoretical and technical advancements in the circular economy, its implementation within Medellín's construction sector remains limited, with a linear model based on final waste disposal still predominating. Furthermore, technical, economic, institutional, and cultural barriers hindering the adoption of recovery practices were identified, alongside weak coordination among the stakeholders involved in CDW management. Based on these findings, a strategy was formulated comprising operational, technical, and organizational components; it encompasses on-site management, waste recovery, stakeholder coordination, and monitoring through indicators. The proposal incorporates strengthening elements such as quantified targets, a pilot implementation model, a collection and recovery center, and a coordination platform, enabling its application under real-world conditions and its evaluation through performance indicators. It is concluded that the transition to a circular economy in construction and demolition waste (CDW) management is feasible in the context analyzed, provided a progressive approach is adopted that considers specific local conditions and fosters the integration of various sector stakeholders. In this regard, the research contributes both to the academic development of the subject and to the formulation of practical solutions that support the sustainability of the construction sector.