A performance evaluation framework for construction and demolition waste management: stakeholder perspectives

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.

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Prioritizing the effective strategies for construction and demolition waste management using fuzzy IDOCRIW and WASPAS methods

Engineering Construction & Architectural Management ◽

10.1108/ecam-08-2020-0617 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽

Author(s):

Maryam Eghbali-Zarch ◽

Reza Tavakkoli-Moghaddam ◽

Kazem Dehghan-Sanej ◽

Amin Kaboli

Keyword(s):

Decision Making ◽

Sustainable Development ◽

Waste Management ◽

Social Life ◽

Fuzzy Numbers ◽

Model Performance ◽

Construction And Demolition Waste ◽

Demolition Waste ◽

Content Type ◽

Effective Strategies

PurposeThe construction industry is a key driver of economic growth. However, the adverse impacts of construction and demolition waste (CDW) resulted from the active construction projects on the economy, environment, public health and social life necessitates an appropriate control and management of this waste stream. Developing and promoting the construction and demolition waste management (CDWM) hierarchy program at the strategic level is essential.Design/methodology/approachThis study aims to propose a hybrid decision model that hybridizes the Integrated Determination of Objective Criteria Weights (IDOCRIW) and weighted aggregated sum product assessment (WASPAS) under a fuzzy environment.FindingsThe proposed method ranks the potential strategic alternatives by the sustainable development criteria to improve the performance of CDWM. As indicated in the results, the fuzzy approach in the decision-making process enables the transformation of linguistic variables into fuzzy numbers that show uncertainty and ambiguity in real-world systems. Moreover, the close correlation between the final ranking of the proposed methodology and the average priority order of the strategic alternatives obtained by five different multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods implies the validity of the model performance.Practical implicationsThis proposed model is an appropriate tool to effectively decide on the development of CDWM from a strategic point of view. It aims to establish an MCDM framework for the evaluation of effective strategies for CDWM according to the indices of sustainable development. Implementing proper operational plans and conducting research in CDWM has the highest priority, and enacting new and more stringent laws, rules and regulations against the production of CDW has secondary priority. This study contributes to the field by optimizing the CDWM by applying the top-priority strategies resulted from the proposed fuzzy hybrid MCDM methodology by the decision-makers or policy-makers to reach the best managerial strategic plan.Originality/valueIn the proposed methodology, the IDOCRIW technique is utilized and updated with the triangular fuzzy numbers for the first time in the literature to derive the weights of sustainable development criteria. The fuzzy WASPAS method is utilized for evaluation and providing a final ranking of the strategic alternatives.

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An integrated model for factors affecting construction and demolition waste management in Iran

Engineering Construction & Architectural Management ◽

10.1108/ecam-01-2016-0015 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 24 (6) ◽

pp. 1246-1268 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

Bahareh Nikmehr ◽

M. Reza Hosseini ◽

Raufdeen Rameezdeen ◽

Nicholas Chileshe ◽

Parviz Ghoddousi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Waste Management ◽

Structural Equation ◽

Developing Economies ◽

Integrated Model ◽

Construction And Demolition Waste ◽

Foreign Firms ◽

Demolition Waste ◽

Content Type ◽

Factors Affecting ◽

Iranian Context

Purpose Factors influencing management of construction and demolition (C&D) waste within the Iranian context have yet to be investigated. The purpose of this paper is to define and address this knowledge gap, through development of a model to map the associations among the primary factors affecting C&D waste at project, industry and national levels. Design/methodology/approach A conceptual model is developed based on synthesising the findings of available studies on factors affecting C&D waste with a focus on developing countries. For collecting data, the study drew upon a questionnaire survey of 103 Iranian construction practitioners. The strength and significance of associations among these factors to modify and validate the model were assessed using the structural equation modelling-partial least squares approach. Findings Major factors affecting C&D waste management and their level of importance were identified at project, industry and national levels. Results clearly showed that the government should review regulations pertaining to C&D waste management and make sure they are implemented properly. The “polluter pays principle” is a useful guide in devising effective policies and regulations for the Iranian context. Originality/value This study contributes to the field through presenting the first major study on C&D waste management in Iran. The study provides a picture of C&D waste management status quo in Iran and encapsulates the factors affecting C&D waste management in the Iranian context at different levels within an integrated model. The findings have practical implications for policy makers and construction practitioners in Iran, similar developing economies and foreign firms planning to operate in Iran.

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

Engineering Construction & Architectural Management ◽

10.1108/ecam-11-2019-0632 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 27 (6) ◽

pp. 1283-1297 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Jingru Li ◽

Jian Zuo ◽

Weiping Jiang ◽

Xizeng Zhong ◽

Jinggang Li ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Questionnaire Survey ◽

Environmental Concern ◽

Policy Instruments ◽

Policy Instrument ◽

Construction And Demolition Waste ◽

Demolition Waste ◽

Content Type ◽

Instrument Choice ◽

Policy Instrument Choice ◽

Systematic Framework

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.

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An investigation into challenges and opportunities in the Australian construction and demolition waste management system

Engineering Construction & Architectural Management ◽

10.1108/ecam-05-2021-0439 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽

Author(s):

Salman Shooshtarian ◽

Savindi Caldera ◽

Tayyab Maqsood ◽

Tim Ryley ◽

Malik Khalfan

Keyword(s):

Waste Management ◽

Policy Development ◽

Management System ◽

Online Survey ◽

Shared Responsibility ◽

Construction And Demolition Waste ◽

Local Market ◽

Demolition Waste ◽

Content Type ◽

Waste Management System

PurposeThe literature shows that the current Australian waste management framework does not meet industry and government expectations. This study, therefore, seeks the key construction and demolition (C&D) stakeholders' insights on various issues identified. It aims to understand the main barriers to effective C&D waste management, examining the role of the federal government and exploring perceptions around waste regulations, policies and schemes.Design/methodology/approachAn online survey was conducted in 2019 to capture stakeholder perceptions. One hundred and thirty-two participants from various industries and government agencies representing Australian jurisdictions took part in the survey. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected.FindingsThe results show that the main barriers are “overregulation, tough acceptance criteria and increased testing requirements”, “lack of local market” and “culture, poor education and low acceptance”. The main areas of improvement include “providing a guideline that determines the accepted level of contamination for reusing C&D waste”, “preparation of guidelines on requirements of using recycled C&D materials in different industries” and “setting a target for reduction, reusing and recycling C&D waste”.Research limitations/implicationsSome research findings may not be generalisable beyond Australia, but there are interesting insights for an international audience. The results inform policy development within the Australian states and territories context, to support the design and implementation of a circular economy model in the construction industry. The findings are evidence for a broader discussion to solve prevailing issues in C&D waste management, notably in the context of construction materials' end of life management.Practical implicationsThe study highlights that policy development needs to be further expanded to include new/current waste management schemes including manufacturer's shared responsibility of waste generation, subsidies for C&D waste recycled materials and the proximity principle.Originality/valueThis paper provides a clear insight into C&D waste management stakeholders' perceptions towards the current waste management system in Australia.

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Investigation of waste diversion rates in the construction and demolition sector in Australia

Built Environment Project and Asset Management ◽

10.1108/bepam-01-2020-0012 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽

Author(s):

Shiyamini Ratnasabapathy ◽

Ali Alashwal ◽

Srinath Perera

Keyword(s):

Waste Management ◽

Descriptive Analysis ◽

Construction And Demolition Waste ◽

Current Status ◽

Accurate Estimation ◽

Demolition Waste ◽

Effective Measure ◽

Content Type ◽

Waste Diversion

PurposeWaste diversion rate (WDR) is a key indicator of effective waste management and circular economy. However, it has not yet been widely used in the construction and demolition waste (C&DW) sector. This study aims to promote the application of WDR as an effective measure for waste management through the investigation of the current status of C&DW diversion in the Australian construction industry.Design/methodology/approachA mixed-method approach, which combines a desk study and a case study of 12 residential projects was used in this study. Data retrieved from the National Waste Database (NWD) were used for the descriptive analysis.FindingsThe analysis of the national waste data revealed that the national average WDR in Australia is 64%. WDR varies based on material types and across the states. The analysis facilitated the forecasting of the possible future trend of waste diversion in Australia. The studied projects from two states in Australia presented slightly different results. Most of the waste stream, except mixed waste, presented above 95% of WDR in each project.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough the studied projects showed a higher recycling rate, this study claims that achieving a higher rate of recovery by diverting the waste could not be assured unless accurate estimation is carried out with reliable and verifiable data. Lack of reliable data is considered as the limitation of this study. While the scope of descriptive analysis of waste generation and diversion covers the whole country, the case study analysis is limited to the states of New South Wales and Victoria.Originality/valueThe study highlights the significance of WDR in assessing the performance of effective waste management in the C&DW sector. WDR is a comprehensive measure that takes the output of the waste life cycle into account for benchmarking waste management. The results provide a critique of the current practices of waste management and the essence of the consistent, transparent and verifiable waste data to enable accurate WDR estimation in Australia. The outcome is useful for waste managers and policymakers in developing potential waste management strategies and C&DW specific legislation for building a more ecologically sustainable industry.

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Capacity building for post disaster construction and demolition waste management

Disaster Prevention and Management An International Journal ◽

10.1108/dpm-09-2014-0172 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 25 (2) ◽

pp. 137-153 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

Gayani Karunasena ◽

Dilanthi Amaratunga

Keyword(s):

Waste Management ◽

Capacity Building ◽

Natural Hazards ◽

Theoretical Framework ◽

Construction And Demolition Waste ◽

Regulatory Body ◽

Early Recovery ◽

Demolition Waste ◽

Content Type ◽

Post Disaster

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a theoretical framework for capacity building in post disaster construction and demolition (C & D) waste management at a national level to address the identified capacity gaps in managing disaster waste resulting from natural hazards. Design/methodology/approach – Data were gathered through pilot interviews, case studies and expert opinion surveys representing government, non-government and other sector organisations involved in post disaster waste management. Findings – The study revealed unavailability of a single point of responsibility and provision for disaster waste in existing policies and capacity constraints in prevailing peace time solid waste management practices which were identified as major capacity gaps. Establishment of a regulatory body and enforceable rules and regulations with necessary levels of capacities was identified and presented in a theoretical framework comprising of seven identified areas for capacity building in post disaster waste management. Research limitations/implications – This study is limited to disaster C & D waste as debris generated from totally or partially damaged buildings and infrastructure as a direct impact of natural hazards or from demolished buildings and infrastructure at rehabilitation or early recovery stages. Waste generated during reconstruction phase of post disaster management cycle is not considered as disaster C & D waste for purposes of this study. Originality/value – The research enabled analysis of existing capacities and presents approaches for capacity building for identified gaps in post disaster C & D waste management to attain sustainable post disaster waste management for future resilience.

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