Policy instrument choice for construction and demolition waste management: the case study of Shenzhen, China

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (6) ◽  
pp. 1283-1297 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jingru Li ◽  
Jian Zuo ◽  
Weiping Jiang ◽  
Xizeng Zhong ◽  
Jinggang Li ◽  
...  

PurposeThis study aims to identify and quantitatively evaluate the factors that influence the construction and demolition waste (CDW) policy instrument choice, and provide a systematic framework for local governments to select the appropriate policy instruments with a consideration of their specific situations.Design/methodology/approachLiterature review and expert interviews were conducted to identify the key factors. These factors were quantitatively evaluated via a questionnaire survey. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was employed to explore the underlying structure of these variables and organize the factors into a systematic framework.FindingsResource, clarity of policy problem and goal, legitimacy, acceptance of targeted group and environmental concern of public are the five top variables, which should be emphasized in the selection of CDW policy. The respondents with experience in policymaking and those without experience had slightly different views on the importance of these variables. A total of six latent factors were identified and organized into a framework.Research limitations/implicationsThe questionnaire survey was conducted with government staff via a snowball sampling method, which may affect the representativeness of conclusions to a certain extent.Practical implicationsThis study provides a useful reference for local government to choose appropriate policies to address the CDW problem. Matching attributes of policy instruments with the policy goal and the problem is the starting point in choice of the CDW policy. The matched instruments will be further narrowed by social context, i.e. environmental concern and socioeconomic situation. The final selection must undergo bargaining between policymakers and targeted groups.Originality/valuePolicy instruments choice is a complicated process, which is shaped by the interaction of many influential factors. However, the impact of these factors on CDW policy choice is largely overlooked. This study will contribute to the knowledge body pertaining to policy selection in the CDW field.

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (10) ◽  
pp. 3189-3213 ◽  
Author(s):  
Soo Yong Kim ◽  
Minh V. Nguyen ◽  
Van Truong Luu

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to develop a performance evaluation framework for construction and demolition waste management (CDWM); second, to investigate feasible and effective strategies to improve the CDWM performance.Design/methodology/approachA review of the literature highlighted a lack of comprehensive research to evaluate CDWM performance of key project stakeholders, like owners, contractors and consultants. After the identification of 22 performance variables through a pilot study, a first questionnaire survey was conducted to investigate the views of respondents toward CDWM performance. The 132 responses were analyzed using factor analysis to determine specific CDWM performance factors, which formed a conceptual performance evaluation framework of CDWM. Furthermore, a practical index (PI) was proposed to integrate the feasibility and effectiveness of CDWM strategies. The values of PI were employed to prioritize CDWM strategies from data collected in a second questionnaire survey.FindingsThe validated results from factor analysis revealed that the conceptual performance evaluation framework of CDWM consists of six factors; and the attitude toward CDWM emerged as the foremost critical factor. The prioritization of PI values indicated that raising CDWM awareness among construction stakeholders was the most feasible and effective strategy for CDWM.Originality/valueThis CDWM performance evaluation framework is one of the first to holistically evaluate CDWM from key stakeholder perspectives. In addition, the PI firstly enables quantitative integration of the feasibility and effectiveness of CDWM strategies.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ann T.W. Yu ◽  
Kelvin S.H. Mok ◽  
Irene Wong

PurposeThe capacity of landfills will reach saturation in the 2020s. There are more than 50,000 buildings in Hong Kong over 30 years old and which may require extensive refurbishment under the Mandatory Building Scheme. Additionally, most new owners/tenants tend to renovate their premises before moving in. Hence, there is an urgent need in Hong Kong, to explore strategies and measures to enable the development of effective refurbishment and renovation (R&R) waste management for such projects. The objectives of this paper are to investigate the process of R&R for identifying the perceived barriers and thereby the strategies for minimisation and management of R&R waste in Hong Kong.Design/methodology/approachDesktop study, semi-structured interviews, site observations and document reviews were used as the data collection methods to achieve the objectives of this research. Considering the nature and characteristics of the industry structure, the snowball sampling process was deployed for data collection. Thematic analysis and content analysis were used for data analysis. Waste minimisation and management strategies for R&R projects were then discussed and developed by the research team and a focus group meeting was held to validate the research findings. Six strategies were then proposed to the government.FindingsR&R projects contribute 10–20% of the construction and demolition waste. The barriers to recycling of R&R waste can be grouped into six major categories: (1) lack of sorting and storage spaces, (2) high cost, (3) insufficient government supporting policy, (4) complicated recycling processes, (5) immature recycling market and (6) insufficient public education. Also, six strategies are proposed in this study, which include (1) pre-refurbishment audit, (2) development of recycling market, (3) sea reclamation, (4) incineration, (5) government support and (6) education and research.Originality/valueThe strategies and measures proposed in this research could most adequately serve as reference for the government officials, building professionals and academic researchers. Such knowledge would make possible the development of effective strategies and measures for minimising and managing R&R waste.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pritish Gupta Quedou ◽  
Eric Wirquin ◽  
Chandradeo Bokhoree

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the potential use of construction and demolition waste materials (C&DWM) as an alternative for natural fine aggregates (NFA), in view to solve the disposal problems caused due to landfills. In addition, to evaluate its suitability as a sustainable material, mechanical and durability properties have been performed on different proportions of concrete blending and the results recorded were compared with the reference concrete values. Design/methodology/approach In this research, the NFA were replaced at the proportion of 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% of C&DWM with a constant slump range of 130 mm–150 mm. This parameter will assess the consistency of the fresh concrete during transportation process. The characteristics of the end product was evaluated through various tests conducted on hardened concrete samples, namely, compressive strength, flexural strength, depth of penetration of water under pressure, rapid chloride penetration test, carbonation test and ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) test. All results recorded were compared with the reference concrete values. Findings The results demonstrated that the use of C&DWM in concrete portrayed prospective characteristics that could eventually change the concept of sustainable concrete. It was noted that the compressive and flexural strength decreased with the addition of C&DWM, but nevertheless, a continuous increase in strength was observed with an increase in curing period. Moreover, the increase in rapid chloride penetration and decrease in UPV over time period suggested that the concrete structure has improved in terms of compactness, thus giving rise to a less permeable concrete. The mechanical tests showed little discrepancies in the final results when compared to reference concrete. Therefore, it is opined that C&DWM can be used effectively in concrete. Originality/value This study explores the possible utilisation of C&DWM as a suitable surrogative materials in concrete in a practical perspective, where the slump parameter will be kept constant throughout the experimental process. Moreover, research on this method is very limited and is yet to be elaborated in-depth. This approach will encourage the use of C&DWM in the construction sector and in the same time minimise the disposal problems caused due to in landfills.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhenshuang Wang ◽  
Wanchen Xie ◽  
Jingkuang Liu

PurposeThe growth of the Chinese economy has resulted in a significant increase in construction and demolition waste (CDW), and regional differences in CDW generation are gradually increasing. The purpose of this study is to investigate the regional differences in CDW generation and the driving factors that influence CDW generation in different areas of China. To provide a systematic advisement for local governments to select the appropriate policy, reduce CDW generation.Design/methodology/approachThe generation of CDW was calculated by region, based on the area estimation method, from 2005 to 2018. The relationship between CDW generation and economic development, and the driving factors of CDW generation in different regions of China, was investigated using the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) model and the STIRPAT theoretical model.FindingsCDW generation of China increased at the average annual growth rate of 10.86% from 2005 to 2018. The main areas of CDW generation were concentrated in the eastern and central regions, while the proportion of CDW generation in the northeast region decreased gradually, and the changes varied significantly across different regions. The EKC between CDW generation and economic development was established for the whole country, North China, Northeast China, East China, Central South China, Southwest China and Northwest China. Three main factors based on the STIRPAT theoretical model were identified and explained into a framework to reduce CDW generation. The results provided a useful theoretical basis and data support guide for devising effective policies and regulations for the Chinese context.Practical implicationsThe findings from this study can ultimately support policymakers and waste managers in formulating effective policies for waste management strategies and CDW-specific legislation. Additionally, it can help the coordinated reduction of CDW generation across regions in China and can support construction enterprises (in their development strategies), similar developing economies and foreign firms planning to operate in China.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the field through the STIRPAT model on driving factors of CDW generation in the Chinese context, in different regions.


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