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Enhancing sustainability and resource efficiency through upcycling: a comprehensive review and analytical – based framework for evaluating building upcycled products

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Abstract

In light of escalating concerns surrounding contemporary environmental challenges, the imperative to promote sustainable practices for product disposal, including product reuse and product life extension, has gained significant momentum. Upcycling is a promising avenue for achieving sustainability, which involves reevaluating discarded materials and repurposing them into valuable commodities. This comprehensive review explores the multifaceted benefits of a carefully chosen selection of upcycled products, specifically focusing on their application within the construction sector. The primary objective of this study is to establish a comprehensive framework consisting of three fundamental dimensions—namely, economic, ecological, and social—to serve as evaluative criteria for the production of upcycled products. The insights from this research offer guidance and recommendations for academic researchers, industry practitioners, and policymakers in promoting consumer engagement with upcycled products. Ultimately, organizations can leverage these established Upcycled Product criteria within their design strategies, optimizing such products’ social, economic, and ecological value.

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Acknowledgements

This study was completed in the academic year 2022-23 as part of the Sustainable Building course for the Building Technology and Design department at German University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt.

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Author notes

  1. A.Galila, S. Kaseireldeil, N. Abdalkhaliq , E.Farouk and M. Eichner contributed equally to this work.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Architecture and Urban Design Program, GUC, Cairo, Egypt

    A. Galila, S. Kaseireldeil, N. Abdalkhaliq, E. Farouk, M. Eichner & Y. sarhan

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  1. A. Galila
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Correspondence to Y. sarhan.

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Galila, A., Kaseireldeil, S., Abdalkhaliq, N. et al. Enhancing sustainability and resource efficiency through upcycling: a comprehensive review and analytical – based framework for evaluating building upcycled products. Innov. Infrastruct. Solut. 9, 270 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s41062-024-01555-w

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