Cost factors affecting the utilisation of secondary materials in the construction sector: A systematic literature review

Abstract

The building and construction sector accounts for a substantial portion of the consumption of natural resources and the generation of waste. The use of secondary materials in this sector offers a promising avenue to reduce reliance on primary materials and curb waste generation. However, the utilisation of these materials is heavily influenced by cost considerations and a comprehensive understanding of the associated costs is lacking. Therefore, this study systematically reviewed key literature to identify cost categories and factors that influence the cost of utilising secondary materials in construction projects. The PRISMA method was employed for asystematic review of the literature from 2013 to 2023. Furthermore, the study explored strategies for enhancing cost performance. The results delineated 13 distinct cost categories within five phases of materials' extended service life (i.e. end-of-life, secondary production, design and planning, installation in existing/new site and operation) and 53 factors influencing the cost performance of secondary materials. Additionally, 22 diverse strategies were identified to enhance this performance. The paper recommends two approaches to implement these strategies: establishing government-led platforms to promote these strategies and enhancing waste education. The findings hold significance for practitioners and policymakers aiming to enhance resource efficiency in construction projects towards a Circular Economy (CE).