Building The Future: The Other Side of Construction

Abstract

Technology has generated benefits for citizens, from resource management to city development. However, it has generated environmental consequences, especially within the construction industry. The dominant explanation for this trend is increased construction and demolition (C&D) waste. C&D waste is a subject not widely studied because of its informality. Previous research has primarily relied on cross-sectional data, providing several challenges in Lima, Peru. I use data from the Ministry of Environment and Housing and interviews to understand the increase in waste. However, this increase cannot be explained only with big data- testimonials and specialist analysis are required. The study focuses on the district of Chorrillos, which has an urban city, an ocean, and a protected natural area that can be affected by debris. Consequently, they suffer visual, air, soil, and water pollution. In addition, it can affect their health if they touch or eat hazardous waste. The results allow a deeper understanding of the resources and pollution in terms of use, management, regulation, and planning.