BUILDING CIRCULAR ECONOMIES IN NYC'S INDUSTRIAL BUSINESS ZONES

Under the direction of the NYC Department of Design and
Construction (DDC), Town+Gown: NYC is a city-wide partnership
program that provides resources to support research on infrastructure
and the built environment. In order to advance NYC's sustainability
and climate goals, major city agencies have been directed to reduce
their carbon emissions. While the construction sector is a significant
driver of emissions in NYC, heavy industry remains a vital component
of the city's economy. Town+Gown engaged the Capstone team to
explore challenges and opportunities associated with creating a
circular economy for construction and demolition waste (CDW) sited
in industrial business zones (IBZs). The team identified five IBZs to
serve as case studies for its research: North Brooklyn; Long Island
City and Maspeth, Queens; Port Morris, Bronx; and West Shore, Staten
Island. The team conducted site visits, completed an analysis of
existing conditions, and undertook extensive stakeholder engagement,
both through qualitative interviews and a quantitative survey. Based
on this research and stakeholder feedback, the team produced a final
report highlighting major findings and providing recommendations
for strategies to advance circular CDW economies in the IBZs