Assessment of Environmental Risks in the Civil Construction Sector. Note II: Risks Associated with Use, Decommissioning and Demolition Stages
Abstract
In recent decades, the civil construction sector has undergone rapid growth, marked by an increase in
both the number and complexity of infrastructure and building projects. Environmental risks in the
civil construction sector pertain to the potential for construction activities to cause negative impacts
on the natural environment. The aim of the study is to develop risk matrices for risks associated with
use, decommissioning and demolition stages in civil constructions sector. The operation and usage
phase of a building or infrastructure is crucial, as it involves a variety of risks that can impact
performance, safety, and maintenance costs. Identified risks include structural defects, maintenance
challenges, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) system failures, environmental incidents,
regulatory non-compliance, material degradation, changes in building usage, health and safety
concerns, fire hazards, community impacts, and accessibility issues. The decommissioning and
demolition phases are integral and interconnected steps in the process of land and civil structure
reconfiguration. Significant risks during these stages include occupational accidents, exposure to
hazardous materials, environmental pollution, and waste generation, all of which can negatively
impact worker health and the environment, potentially leading to legal penalties.