Driving carbon reduction through steel reuse
Tempered and laminated glass are widely used in modern buildings but are difficult to recycle using conventional processes. As a result, these materials are often sent to landfills at the end of a building’s life, creating additional pressure on waste systems.
At Tomorrow’s CENTRAL, a major refurbishment project for Hongkong Land, this presented a significant challenge. Construction and demolition waste already accounts for around 20% of landfill intake in Hong Kong, with capacity projected to be reached by 2026.
Working through Gammon Construction – our joint venture with Jardine Matheson in Hong Kong – we partnered with The Hong Kong Polytechnic University to develop a closed‑loop recycling solution for glass removed during demolition. Early pre‑construction studies identified more than 50 tonnes of tempered and laminated glass scheduled for removal.
Through this partnership, the recovered glass was processed into partition blocks and low‑carbon cement alternatives, with reuse targeted within the project.
Hongkong Land
50
tonnes of glass diverted from landfill
75%
waste diversion target supported
The approach supports the project’s 75% waste diversion target and aligns with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and BREEAM Plus sustainability standards.
By transforming demolition waste into reusable construction material, we helped reduce landfill demand while demonstrating how refurbishment projects can help advance circular construction in Hong Kong.
