Cybernetic-parsimonious MCDM modeling with application to the adoption of Circular Economy in waste management

Abstract

Construction and demolition waste (CDW) is the main contributor to economic loss, environmental pollution, and health hazards if the current linear economy model of ‘take-make-consume-dispose’ is not replaced by a Circular Economy (CE) as a solution approach to maximize the use of resources and reduce waste. However, successful CE concept implementation involves strategies that trigger construction and demolition waste management (CDWM) throughout its life cycle, rather than end-of-life strategies, such as reuse and recycling. By meticulously reviewing the literature, nineteen factors that affect CDWM from CE concept implementation throughout six stages of preconstruction, procurement, construction, demolition, transportation, and end-of-life are initially identified. A hybrid fuzzy Multi-Criteria Decision-Making approach is then utilized in two main stages, including an Enhanced Fuzzy Delphi Method in stage one, to refine the identified factors according to Tehran’s construction context, and a Cybernetic Parsimonious Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process in stage two, to prioritize these factors. Three factors were identified during the first stage of the research methodology and added to the factors extracted from the literature. The results indicate that ‘on-site sorting, reusing, and recycling of waste materials’, ‘various procurement models’, and ‘precise implementation of waste management regulations and plans’ are the most important factors, respectively. A comprehensive list of the factors provided as part of the research findings has contributed to the body of knowledge to be used as a snapshot by researchers, while the ranking of the factors gives new insights to stakeholders on ways to manage CDW in projects.