Conceptualising construction waste prevention using a hierarchical model

The construction industry continues to be one of the primary drivers of a country's economic progress. As of 2022, the Philippines’ construction sector had an annual growth rate of 9.2% and continues to increase due to the Build! Build! Build! (BBB) program. However, the construction sector is globally known for regularly consuming more raw materials, resulting in natural resource scarcity and environmental implications. Construction activities also generated a massive volume of construction waste from construction, demolition, and renovation. The need to impose construction and demolition waste (CDW) management strategies and policies in all stages of construction is crucial in attaining a more sustainable construction. This study aims to explore the current CDW management practices and policies from existing literature. The findings of this research will present many potential strategies and solutions that the Philippines can adopt to create more sustainable construction while also assisting in combating environmental issues and concerns in attaining sustainable construction. The study will utilize a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) to identify relevant studies in CDW management to gain the best practices and current trends in CDW management. The study's findings show that at least 26 strategies have been implemented in the construction industry. These can be grouped into 6 major groups: information technology, policy, design, operations, knowledge, and procurement based.

<p>The construction industry has been identified as a major contributor to environmental degradation, particularly through the generation of waste. Unsustainable production and consumption patterns in the construction industry have resulted in high amounts of waste, which is often disposed of in landfills. To address this challenge, a circular economy management approach has been proposed to achieve sustainable construction and demolition waste management. This review provides an overview of the circular economy management approach for sustainable management of construction and demolition waste. The circular economy management approach emphasizes the need to reduce waste generation and promote the reuse and recycling of materials. This approach also advocates the use of sustainable materials and the implementation of effective waste management practices throughout construction and demolition. The circular economy management approach to sustainable management of construction and demolition waste includes several key strategies, including adopting sustainable design and construction approaches, promoting reuse and recycling of materials as well as developing effective waste management systems. These strategies require the cooperation and involvement of all stakeholders in the construction and demolition process, including architects, contractors, developers, and waste management companies. The circular economy management approach offers a promising framework for achieving the goals of destructive waste management and sustainable construction. By promoting sustainable patterns of production and consumption, this approach can help reduce the environmental impact of the construction industry while generating economic benefits for stakeholders. However, successful implementation of this approach requires strong regulatory support and the willingness of all stakeholders to adopt sustainable practices.</p>

A systematic review of research on food loss and waste prevention and management for the circular economy

Hong Kong's overall construction waste accounts for approximately 23% of its total solid waste. As the aging rate of buildings accelerates in Hong Kong, the number of buildings reaching 50 years old is projected to increase from 8,700 in 2020 to 13,900 by 2030. Recently, deteriorating older buildings have become potential sources of construction and demolition waste, leading to a significant rise in the total amount of construction waste. Traditionally, Hong Kong has managed construction waste by using it as landfill material or burying it, but such practices are unsustainable in a city where land resources are scarce. To alleviate the growing volume of construction and demolition waste, a circular economy approach emerges as a solution. However, there is a lack of research on implementing a circular economy model that treats construction and demolition waste as secondary building materials in the construction industry. This study focuses on the Tseung Kwan O landfill site as a case study, analyzing predominantly concrete waste generated from existing construction waste. The research explores how abandoned concrete can be effectively recycled and repurposed as a material. Additionally, it examines the integration of circular economy principles into the industry. The study concludes that incorporating recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) as a component in the construction industry's circular economy is feasible and environmentally beneficial. The establishment of a comprehensive management system for construction and demolition waste is a crucial first step towards realizing a circular economy in Hong Kong. This research provides a framework for formulating waste management policies in the construction sector, enhancing collaborative processes among stakeholders, and aiding relevant authorities in regulating construction activities.

The Construction Industry has always been an important and impactful sector for the development of a country. This sector is not only known to engage a large number of human resources and huge amounts of natural resources into its projects but also being popularised for its contribution to overflowing landfills. Urban infrastructure development with an emphasis on Smart Cities and Towns alongside major Infrastructure development is essential and crucial for a developing country like India, where the construction of the same requires a considerable amount of demolition of the older and undesirable structures. According to a report published by Construction and Demolition Recycle, by the year 2025 annual construction waste produced worldwide is expected to hit 2.2 billion tonnes. The waste generated during a construction activity is mostly sent to a landfill while 80% of the waste has the potential of being used as the raw material for the new construction projects and is also known as Public fill. To use this Construction waste as a raw material there is a high need to evaluate it to its best potential with the help of accurate data and precise management to establish sustainable as well as profitable and economical techniques for the industry. Sustainable and Lean Construction (SLC) practices are still at the inception stage in terms of application for the delivery of construction projects. Lean Construction focuses on the process’s capability in the reduction and eradication of wastes and to enhance the sustainability of the construction projects. With a relationship being established between lean practices and CWM (Construction Waste Management) smarter and highly reliable solutions can be achieved. The objective of this study is to figure out the managerial obligations in handling the Construction Waste and mitigate its impact on the environment. A major problem in India is the unregulated usage of non-renewable resources, right from the design phase of the construction project. The importance of the 3R’s concept i.e., Reduce, Reuse and Recycle and effective application of the same, by the implementation of lean practices which will be a cut right solution for the scarcity of raw materials that influences the cost of the project, in the long run, is to be studied. To understand the awareness of construction stakeholders and the process of construction and demolition (C&D), a questionnaire was floated among the practitioners and responses were recorded. Based on the responses it was apparent that most of the construction personnel were aware of the impact of C&D waste, but were reluctant to adopt any preventive measures. It was also inferred that there is a lack of support from the public sector, mainly regarding the inspection of destination of C&D waste disposal, incentives regarding ethical waste disposal practices from the government and also lack of awareness within the construction personnel towards the environment. Most of the construction activities are time-bound and lack of technology leads to improper waste management. The effective mitigation measure to overcome the improper practice of waste management is by adopting Lean construction practices (LCPs) in environmental sustainability which would help in achieving significant reduction of wastage quantity and costs. Provision of a suitable framework for the optimal usage of the Construction wastes, thus offering societal, environmental and economic benefits forms a part of the Construction Waste Management plan. Increased productivity, enhanced Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) practices, safety and quality standards at sites, as a result of a clean site environment, come up as the benefits of implementing the LCP’s.KeywordsConstruction waste3R’sSustainable waste managementSustainable and lean construction (SLC)

A simplified framework for assessing waste prevention and minimisation in developing countries within the context of CE, SDGs and ESG principles

In 2015, the United Nations (UN) adopted the 2030 agenda for Sustainable Development, which set out 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), 169 targets and 231 unique indicators as a significant initiative towards socio-economic development. The SDGs provide the construction industry with a new lens through which global needs and desires can be translated into business solutions. This paper explores the role of the construction industry in achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. The paper uses an explanatory sequential design with an initial quantitative instrument phase, followed by a qualitative data collection phase. Following a comparative review of the literature on the 17 SDGs, a questionnaire was designed and administered among 130 respondents, and 105 responses were received. These data were then validated through semi-structured interviews with 16 sustainable construction experts. Data obtained from the semi-structured validation interviews were analysed through side-by-side comparisons of the qualitative data with the quantitative data. The findings show that the construction industry has a critical role in achieving almost all the 17 SDGs. The roles were, however, prevalent in 10 key SDGs, namely: sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11); climate action (SDG 13); clean water and sanitation (SDG 6); responsible consumption and production (SDG 12); industry, innovation and infrastructure (SDG 9); life on land (biodiversity) (SDG 15); gender equality (SDG 5); good health and well-being (SDG 3); affordable and clean energy (SDG 7); decent work and economic growth (SDG 8). The study confirmed the role played by the construction industry in achieving these SDGs. The findings from this study provide further insights into the ever-increasing state-of-the-art regarding the construction industry’s role in achieving Sustainable Development Goals.

While acknowledging the widespread recognition of artificial intelligence's (AI) potential in achieving sustainable development, there remains a notable deficiency and thorough examination of its specific applications, impacts, and challenges, particularly within the construction industry. A comprehensive investigation is critical to explore and understand the multifaceted applications of AI in fostering sustainability across all phases of a construction project. This paper aims to examine how AI can be effectively integrated across the key project phases—i.e., planning, design, construction, and operation and maintenance, through a systematic literature review to map AI applications, their impacts, adoption challenges, and best practices. The findings revealed: (a) Sustainable development goals (SDGs) pertinent to the construction industry—i.e., SDGs 6-9,11-13,15,17; (b) SDGs that show the highest potential to promote sustainability within the construction industry—i.e., SDGs 7,9,11; (c) Within the spectrum of these goals, AI can potentially transform the construction industry and contribute to the sustainability consideration processes in a more efficient and resilient ways; (d) Ethical considerations, data privacy and security concerns must be addressed, along with an urgent need for specialised training and maintenance of these AI systems; (e) Careful AI implementation and management is essential to harness its full potential, while addressing adoption challenges within the construction sector.

Contributions of the circular economy to the UN sustainable development goals through sustainable construction

PurposeEstablishing a more sustainable built environment is an increasing global concern for the construction industry. Despite the intrinsic and extrinsic obstacles the stakeholders face, huge efforts are required to transition to a smooth, sustainable construction (SC) practice. This study identifies and discusses cogent obstacles to SC in developing nations.Design/methodology/approachThe Preferred Reporting Item for systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) approach was employed to establish research work in SC for developing countries. The databases used were Scopus and Web of Science. Meta-analysis of keywords was analysed thematically. The initial broad search returned 8,420 publications which were filtered and reviewed in-depth to fit the aim of the study, produced only 21 relevant publications from the years 2000–2021.FindingsThe four identified themes of obstacles to SC in developing countries are as follows: construction professional training and education, clients' attitudes and awareness, construction industries' culture and capacity and governments' regulation, policies and economy. The key barriers identified from the meta-analysis include inadequate training and education amongst construction professionals, poor execution of sustainability ethics, poor populace attitude towards sustainability, poor awareness and understanding, dearth of precise data and integrated study and inappropriate priorities about sustainability.Originality/valueThe originality in this study are themes drawn from millennium development goals (MDGs) and sustainable development goals (SDGs) publications related to SC. Consequently, the final framework presented a holistic approach to surmounting the established limitations and aided recommendations for future studies. Thus, setting a background for developing strategies to overcome the limitations and further attain sustainable development (SD).

Waste generated in high-rise buildings construction: A current situation in Thailand

PurposeThe ever-increasing pollution, poverty and poor economy, caused in part by human activities, have necessitated the need for sustainable development (SD) and sustainable construction (SC). This requires reconsidering sustainable development goals (SDGs) as a complementary approach to achieving a sustainably built environment. This paper aims to explore how stakeholder’s engagement can drive the attainment of SDGs in the Nigerian construction industry (NCI), with a view to advancing a sustainable construction industry (SCI) in Nigeria. The study also examines the inhibitors of attaining SDGs in the light of 10 core SDGs that play a sustainable role in the NCI.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopted a qualitative research approach. Data were collected from 22 stakeholders (practitioners and policy makers) in the NCI through interviews which were transcribed, coded and analysed thematically.FindingsThe results deduced that industry-related, government-related and economic, environmental and socio-cultural-related themes inhibit SDGs in the NCI, while SDGs-driven policy implementation, best practices and educating/training themes can be used to attain SDGs in Nigeria. Valuable insights from the findings recommended stakeholders’ engagement in eliminating the influx of quacks, repositioning attitudinal change in governance, streamlining funds for SD, implementing and complying to building regulations, providing professional practice and training stakeholders about the benefits of sustainability in Nigeria.Originality/valueEmerging inhibitors of SDGs are identified, leading to the development of innovative approaches and actions for stakeholders’ engagement, which were missing from previous studies. Stakeholders and the government can use the strategic phases proposed in this paper to advance a SCI in Nigeria.

The environmental concern has become the top trend nowadays and the ideas of environmental protection, green orientation and green innovation, highly concern from the last few decades in all research areas. The construction industry is one of those that has a very strong impact on the environment. Air, water, noise and vibration, as well as soil pollution caused during construction processes, negatively impact on the environment and its natural ecosystems, as well as on humans at a global level. Construction waste generated during the construction, renovation and demolition process occupies huge landfills due to significant volumes. It may also contain substances that are hazardous to the environment and human health. This paper summarizes the research results on the possibilities for more efficient construction waste management as well as the experience of companies operating in the construction sector with a purpose to reduce the causes of pollution. The data obtained within the framework of the survey on people’s understanding in the field of construction pollution and waste in Latvia have been analyzed. The main goal of the study is to present the main findings of the authors’ survey and to discuss the current construction waste management challenges and potential innovations in Latvia. The authors used the following research methods: literature review, analysis of statistical data; questionnaire creation and conduction a survey; interviews with waste management companies. The research was conducted during the period from October 2019 to July 2020. The obtained results showed that there was a huge potential for innovation because the current situation was far from ideal. The results of an empirical analysis demonstrated that the collection of sorted construction waste on construction sites currently was practically impossible, as the industry points to the human factor in the waste sorting process. Although the data obtained within the framework of the survey clearly indicated the interest of employees in sorting construction waste already on the construction site, waste industry companies currently consider such a practice impossible also due to the influence of other side factors related to economic considerations. It is necessary to develop a normative framework for the implementation of the construction waste certification system to promote the reuse of construction waste in construction as efficiently as possible. Keywords construction waste, management of technological innovation, environmental management, Latvia, sustainable development.

Purpose Construction stakeholders often prioritise the environmental and economic aspects of sustainability over its social dimensions. There is a limited understanding of how the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and occupational health and safety (OHS) intersect and mutually contribute to each other. This study aims to explore the connection between SDGs and OHS in construction. Design/methodology/approach Using a systematised review approach, 46 publications related to the SDGs and OHS from 2015 to 2023 were identified. The data was analysed through thematic analysis, with the SDGs as the main themes. Additionally, examples from Australian Work Health and Safety laws have been used as a case study to illustrate the connection between the SDGs and OHS. Findings Upon in-depth analysis, it was discovered that construction OHS closely relates to ten SDGs: no poverty (SDG 1), good health and well-being (SDG 3), quality education (SDG 4), gender equality (SDG 5), decent work and economic growth (SDG 8), industry, innovation and infrastructure (SDG 9), reduced inequalities (SDG 10), sustainable consumption and production (SDG 12), climate action (SDG 13) and peace, justice and strong institutions (SDG 16). Furthermore, the study revealed that the relationship between the SDGs and OHS is mutual, with each contributing to the attainment of the other. Originality/value The study offers comprehensive insights into the relationship between the SDGs and OHS in the construction industry, thereby contributing to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Purpose Reducing construction waste generation and carbon emission in the construction industry is crucial for the “dual carbon” goal. Evaluating the efficiency of reducing construction waste generation and carbon emission in the construction industry at the regional level is an important evaluation basis for the sustainable development of the construction industry. It provides a basis for formulating construction waste and carbon reduction policies tailored to local conditions and comprehensively promote the sustainable development of the construction industry. Design/methodology/approach A three stage SBM-DEA model based on non-expected outputs is proposed by combining the SBM-DEA model with the SFA method. The proposed model is used to evaluate the efficiency of construction waste and carbon reduction in the construction industry in 30 regions of China from 2010 to 2020. Moreover, the study explores the impact of environmental variables such as urbanization level, proportion of construction industry employees, resident consumption level, and technological progress. Findings From 2010 to 2020, the efficiency of construction waste and carbon reduction in China’s construction industry has been increasing year by year. Provinces with higher efficiency of construction waste and carbon reduction in the construction industry are mainly concentrated in the eastern coastal areas, showing an overall pattern of “East>West>Northeast>Middle”. There is a clear correlation between the level of urbanization, the proportion of construction industry employees, residents’ consumption level, technological progress, labor input, machinery input, and capital investment. The construction waste and carbon emission efficiency of the construction industry in various provinces is greatly influenced by environmental factors. Practical implications The research results provide policy makers and business managers with effective policies for reducing construction waste generation and carbon emission in the construction industry, especially circular economy policies. To provide empirical support for further understanding the connotation of construction waste and carbon reduction in the construction industry, to create innovative models for construction waste and carbon reduction, and to promote the multiple benefits of construction waste and carbon reduction in the construction industry, and to provide empirical support for countries and enterprises with similar development backgrounds in China to formulate relevant policies and decision-making. Originality/value The construction industry is a high investment, high energy consumption, and high pollution industry. This study uses the three stage SBM-DEA model to explore the efficiency of construction waste and carbon reduction in the construction industry, providing a new perspective for the evaluation of sustainable development in the construction industry, enriching and improving the theory of sustainable development.